- DeSantis Touts Florida Transport Budget. FDOT Secretary Joins Him In Attack On Federal "Politicization" Of Transportation.
- Maine Turnpike Authority Chief Peter Mills Will Retire
- Virginia Lawmaker Says Hampton Roads Toll Relief Is “Underutilized”
- These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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DeSantis Touts Florida Transport Budget. FDOT Secretary Joins Him In Attack On Federal "Politicization" Of Transportation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) yesterday announced $14.5 billion in state transportation funding for the fiscal year starting July 1, including more than $5 billion for highway maintenance and construction, WTSP reports. Speaking at the SunTrax technology testing and development facility, DeSantis stressed his refusal to accept federal transportation funding if it hinges on what he characterizes as an “an ideological agenda.” “If we have to sign up for DEI and all this stuff just to receive road funding, we’re not going to do that,” he said, referring also to climate-related and community justice initiatives. In January, Orlando Sentinel found that Florida has turned down at least $11 billion in federal money for a variety of purposes based on DeSantis’ assertion the funding was “politicized.” According to earlier media reports, his objections extended to $320 million of federal aid aimed at reducing emissions. Recently, a national coalition of businesses that includes gas station chains asked the state to change course where $198 million in federal support for construction of EV charging infrastructure is concerned. “While other states are celebrating the opening of the first NEVI chargers, the businesses along Florida’s interstates still can’t apply to participate in this program, which was part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” the Charge Ahead Partnership stated.
Florida DOT issued a news release summarizing the transportation investments DeSantis outlined in his remarks. Remarkably, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue comments in the release, “Florida’s vision for infrastructure stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s insistence on prioritizing ideological and political agendas over building infrastructure. I’m happy to live in the Free State of Florida where all Floridians and visitors are free to drive what they want, when they want, and where they want.” The release also discloses that FDOT launched a web portal — https://roadsarenotforpolitics.com — “to highlight the politicization of Biden’s transportation department.” Florida, it says, “will call out the federal government’s underhanded tactics and progressive agenda-pushing at every turn.”
Climate Change & Infrastructure Resilience Economic & Social Considerations Affecting Transportation Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Florida Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Maintenance US Department of Transportation (USDOT) US Gov't Transportation Funding US Infrastructure Funding And Financing InitiativesMaine Turnpike Authority Chief Peter Mills Will Retire
Peter Mills, who’s served as executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) since 2011, will not seek reappointment to the position when his current term ends in September, Portland Press Herald reports. He notified the MTA board of his decision yesterday. Mills, the brother of current Maine Governor Janet Mills (D), cited his age and health as factors in the decision. He’s 81, has been treated for bladder cancer, and recently had abdominal surgery. “Mills’ decision comes at a busy time for the turnpike authority.” It is navigating a controversy over a proposed $200 million toll road outside Portland, the Gorham Connector. Agency management also recently received an internal report accusing the former chief financial officer, Doug Davidson, of workplace harassment and intimidation. “The report concluded that neither Mills nor the board was fully aware of the behavior, but that the problems had caused employees to lose trust in Mills and in the board.” Peter Merfeld, currently chief operating officer, will serve as acting deputy executive director to assist with the leadership transition as the board conducts a national search for Mills’ replacement.
Appointments-Promotions-Retirements Maine Maine Turnpike AuthorityVirginia Lawmaker Says Hampton Roads Toll Relief Is “Underutilized”
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (D-88) says Hampton Roads area toll relief is “underutilized” due to a lack of public awareness, WAVY reports. “We need to show the Department of Transportation that there is a demand for toll relief, so we need everyone who is eligible for toll relief to sign up,” Scott said. An existing VDOT program funded by Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) offers 14 discounted trips per week to residents of select towns earning $65,000 or less per year. The program’s discount level and income eligibility threshold have both risen since it was introduced in 2017. ERC currently absorbs about $3.4 million in costs for more than 18,000 enrollees. Funding to further reduce the burden of toll payment for low-income motorists — $101 million spread out over two years — was approved in recent budget legislation and will become available on January 1, 2025.
Elizabeth River Tunnels ETC Systems Hampton Roads Metro Area (VA) Toll Exemption, Discount And Equity Programs Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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