Miami-Dade, Broward Benefits From State's $13 Million Highway Grants
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) -- Florida will receive $13 million in federal highway grants for projects ranging from safety improvements to construction career day activities, and Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are reaping the benefits.
A $978,300 grant will assist Miami-Dade County in relocating the Tamiami Canal Historic Swing Bridge. The I-595 Truck Stop in Broward County will also benefit. The stop is getting $1 million for 90 new parking spots.
The funds are among $417.3 million in grants announced Wednesday for projects across the nation. Funds will help create jobs by repairing roadways and implementing strategies to reduce congestion.
"Transportation investments like these will create jobs and improve the quality of life for Florida residents as well as strengthen the state's economy," said Secretary Ray LaHood. "The demand from the states for these funds shows just how critical the need is for infrastructure investment."
The biggest Florida grant is $3.75 million to improve safety and reduce congestion at an Interstate 10 interchange in Jacksonville.
The smallest is $95,000 for middle and high school career days.
Other Florida grants include $2.6 million for a traffic management system in Sarasota County, $1.5 million for Snake Road improvements in Clewiston.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited states to apply in June for federal funding from 14 grant programs. Requests poured in from every state, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. - more than 1,800 applications, totaling nearly $13 billion, which is more than 30 times the funds available.
"At a time when states are facing serious budgetary constraints, these grants will help fill a critical need," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "Investments like these are immediate and long-lasting and will help create jobs."
Congress created the discretionary grant programs to give FHWA the latitude to support projects that maintain the nation's roads and bridges, improve roadway safety and make communities more livable. In previous years, Congress designated some of this grant money for specific projects and FHWA awarded the remainder through a competitive process. Because the FY11 budget passed by Congress last April directed that all such funds be discretionary, FHWA awarded these funds through a competitive process.
For a complete list of projects, click here.
