Infrastructure

Developments of Regional Impacts | Affordable Housing | Transportation Trust Fund
Dedicated Funding Source for Transportation | Session Priorities Index

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After an incredible 2011 session, which saw a major overhaul of Florida’s growth management laws pass, it is unlikely that legislators will have much appetite for addressing any further changes in growth management policy. The new law, which gives local governments most of the approval power for proposed development, has only been in place for a few months. It has been very well received by the business community as a way to reduce regulations and speed up the permit approval process.     

In the area of transportation, Governor Scott has made expanding and enhancing Florida’s transportation infrastructure one of the primary targets for meeting his economic development goals as described in his Jobs Agenda for 2012. For the past two years, the top transportation priority for AIF has been opposing any raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund. We believe that safe, secure and accessible transportation corridors are vital for the transportation of goods and citizens that create the economic vitality of our state.

Developments of Regional Impact

AIF SUPPORTS efforts to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of the current Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) process.

Recently, a Senate Interim Study was published which recommended to the Legislature that they maintain the current DRI process. The DRI process provides a regional review approach to developments which span multiple counties. AIF members agree that the DRI process is important, but there are still some changes that could be undertaken to reduce the cost for business owners that go through the DRI review process.

Affordable Housing

AIF SUPPORTS full appropriation of the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund monies (currently estimated to be $153.4 million for FY 2012-13) to be used solely for affordable housing projects.

The Sadowski funds will promote home ownership, stimulate economic growth with public-private partnerships, and provide a financial boost many times greater than the amount of state funds appropriated for housing. If these dollars are used for their intended purposes instead of funding the state’s budget, they will create approximately 11,800 jobs and approximately $1.18 billion in economic activity.

Transportation Trust Fund

AIF OPPOSES sweeping any funds from the State Transportation Trust Fund for non-transportation expenditures.

For every $1 invested in the Department of Transportation work program, nearly $6 is returned to the state’s economy; and, for every $1 billion invested in road construction and improvements, more than 28,000 new jobs are created for Floridians. The economic impact and job creation resulting from investment in transportation infrastructure relies upon the security of the State Transportation Trust Fund.

Dedicated Funding Source for Transportation

In 2009, the Florida Legislature raised tag and title fees for all classes of vehicles. The increased funds, however, were directed to the state’s general revenue to assist in balancing the state budget and not specifically to benefit transportation projects in Florida.

AIF SUPPORTS re-directing these funds into the State Transportation Trust Fund to benefit transportation projects.

AIF Lobby Team Members Assigned to the Area of Infrastructure Justin Day Transportation Richard Gentry Growth Management