Transportation Bill Could Fast Track Escambia Projects

June 14, 2009

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist recently signed a bill into law effective July 1 that could put Escambia County transportation projects on a fast track to reality.

The bill that governor signed authorizes the study of the feasibility of advance-funding transportation. Escambia County District 2 Commissioner Gene Valentino has been the driving force behind the development of a Regional Transportation Finance Authority adopted to help generate financing for transportation priorities.

“This bill, and the Regional Transportation Finance Authority, will help us improve roads and our economy,” said Valentino. “Every dollar spent on transportation infrastructure gives us a $5.60 return – not only for Escambia County but our partners in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton as well.”

The bill authorizes the Northwest Florida Regional Transportation Planning Organization to study the feasibility of advance funding the cost of capacity projects in its member counties and to make recommendations to the Legislature by February 1, 2010.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is permitted to assist the organization with the study. The bill provides that the results of the study be provided to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, FDOT, any metropolitan planning organization in any county served by the organization, and the counties served by the organization.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News