A Promising Election Year for Florida’s Transportation Industry

Unlike any other election year, both the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor are actively talking about the State Transportation Trust Fund and keeping it safe. There is a dialogue taking place and a real understanding of the economic potential our industry can provide when properly funded.

At our 2010 Convention in August, CFO and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink along with GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, spoke to our membership about the key role road builders play in Florida’s future, stressing the importance of maintaining a dedicated funding source for Florida’s roadways. Both the candidate’s presence at our convention and their additional outreach reaffirms the transportation trust fund will not be a victim of a barebones budget.

At the convention, CFO Sink released the Innovative and Integrated Transportation Plan for Florida which sets out to create jobs and develop a new economic foundation through transportation infrastructure projects. To put Florida on a fast track to a flourishing economy she vowed as governor she would veto all efforts by the Legislature to raid Florida’s Transportation Trust Fund and work to bring more federal tax dollars to the state for transportation projects.

As recently as last week we’ve also been in conversations with GOP candidate, Rick Scott. In a letter sent to FTBA from Mr. Scott, he outlined his promise that if elected governor, he would protect transportation user fees and ensure they are only utilized for Florida’s transportation infrastructure needs. Mr. Scott made it clear that any action to the contrary would eliminate jobs, adversely impact much-needed transportation projects and impede job creation. As part of Mr. Scott’s 7-7-7 Plan, the republican candidate illustrates a gubernatorial agenda that is dedicated to balancing the budget and creating long-term, well-paid jobs while providing the core functions a state must supply its citizens, such as an efficient transportation system.

While our industry continues to see lackluster work load projections for the next fiscal year, it is reassuring to know our issues are being discussed by both Governor-hopefuls. With an estimated 18 percent decline in road construction contracts for fiscal year 2011, it is pivotal Florida’s next governor grasps the positive economic contributions of a strong multi-modal transportation system and the millions of jobs created by members of the FTBA.

We applaud both Mr. Scott and CFO Sink for their willingness to protect user fees and Florida jobs while safeguarding our state’s expansive transportation system from diluted funding.