On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott announced that 20 rural areas in Florida will receive $9 million in transportation improvement funds though the Rural Areas of Opportunity Program and the Florida Department of Transportations (DOT) Small County Outreach Program (SCOP).
This year we made an historic investment of over $10 billion for transportation needs and DOTs five-year plan will invest nearly $41 billion into our states transportation system, Scott said on Thursday. Investing in our roads is a top priority because it will help our state continue to be a global tourist and business destination. Florida has created over 679,000 private-sector jobs in just under four years and we will continue to work every day to create even more opportunities in our state.
The funds will be used across the state. Palm Beach County is getting a large share, with more than $1.4 million going to South Bay, $1.375 headed to Pahokee and more than $1 million penciled in for Belle Glade for road repair.
Wauchula in Hardee County will receive $1.175 million while Hendry County will see $370,000 sent to LaBelle and Clewiston for road repair. Lake Placid in Highlands County will get $100,000 while Okeechobee in Okeechobee County will receive $57,750.
Over in Putnam County, Interlachen is set to receive $750,000 while Live Oak in Suwannee County will get $915,900. Two towns in Hamilton County -- Jennings and White Springs -- will take in more than $145,000 while Bell in Gilchrist County will receive $121,200.
Three towns in Jackson County -- Alford, Graceville and Malone -- will receive around $685,000 for road repair while Wassau in Washington County will get almost $400,000. Quincy in Gadsden County will take in more than $234,500 while Monticello in Jefferson County will get $137,863.Wewahitchka in Gulf County will take in more than $62,700 to repair Old Highway 22A.
Outgoing FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad praised the decision to fund these projects.
I applaud the leadership of the governor and Legislature for extending the benefits of this program which demonstrate the great statewide need for projects to maintain roadways in rural areas, Prasad said.
The move also won the applause of the new leaders of the Legislature.
Investing in Floridas roads and infrastructure is important to Floridians and our states economy," said Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando. We are committed to prioritizing Floridas transportation needs to help ensure Florida continues on its path of job creation and economic growth.
Floridas roads are an important economic driver and todays announcement is more good news for families across the state, said House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island. Its important we continue to identify ways we can invest to directly benefit Floridas rural economies so our state can continue to grow.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
