Trust Fund Safe with Next Florida Governor

With the impending threat of the transportation trust fund raids this past legislative session, we in this industry felt a dark cloud over our heads. Even now with Governor Crist’s final veto of the raids, the feeling that thousands of Floridians jobs could again fall victim to such thievery is not easily shaken.

Florida history has shown a thriving transportation industry gives way to the growth and strengthening of the state’s economy. As many of you know, for every $1 billion invested by state governments on highway construction and improvements approximately 28,000 jobs are created and for every $1 spent on road construction, $7 is returned to the economy. These facts simply cannot be ignored – and thankfully, there are four, important people that feel the same way.

A highlight of the 2010 FTBA Annual Convention was a chance to heed words of support from current governor and candidate for U.S. Senate, Charlie Crist, and gubernatorial candidates Attorney General Bill McCollum, CFO Alex Sink and Rick Scott. FTBA members were elated to hear all candidates promised to keep the transportation trust fund intact.

As I said at the Convention, we can take a moment to breathe knowing we just heard from the next governor of Florida, and no matter whom she or he is, our industry will be protected. And, with budget shortfalls slated to be worse than ever next year, it is a relief for now at least that our industry will not be in the crosshairs.

One good thing that came out of this legislative session for the transportation industry, besides the veto, was the elevated discussion about the importance of transportation projects on the state’s economy. Resulting from the grassroots and media outreach conducted to bring awareness to the issue, more Floridians know the value of a strong transportation infrastructure system. FTBA is thankful to those who vocalized their concerns and support. Refer to my last blog for ways you can help rally for our industry nationally, or visit http://bit.ly/c7zqfs.