FC&PA partners with other state associations in support of infrastructure spending. – The Florida Concrete & Products Association

May 11, 2020

Dear Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation:

As our nation continues to act to help American families and businesses navigate the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the Florida Department of Transportation and its partners have worked together to safely and successfully continue critical infrastructure projects and maintenance of our roads and bridges. The commitment of our federal and state leaders to continued infrastructure investments puts Florida in a position to maintain its place among the best in the nation in transportation.[1]

That commitment, however, faces possible challenges as lawmakers begin to deal with the negative effects of the coronavirus on traditional revenue streams that fund many of the projects that have helped pave the way for our success. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) estimates a 30 percent decline in state revenue due to the reduction in miles traveled and gasoline usage over the next 18 months.

These projections challenge the ability of many states to deliver on their capital and construction programs, to maintain routine state DOT and public transit operations and to keep their transportation networks in good repair. The passage of a federal $50 billion revenue backstop for state DOTs in order to prevent major disruptions in service, maintenance, and operations of transportation systems would help prevent each state’s transportation network from reaching a level that endangers both citizens and commerce.

In addition, the expiration of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act on September 30, 2020 allows Congress an additional opportunity to spur economic growth with its renewal and continued investment into critical infrastructure.

Here in Florida, we are better positioned than most to weather this storm. Fiscal prudence, focused investments, and responsible budgeting have kept Florida’s transportation trust fund healthy and sound. While we are better prepared, we are not immune.

As Congress debates additional actions to combat this pandemic, it can act today by allowing states to have more flexibility in how it spends its current, and any future, CARES Act funding. Flexibility with Florida’s roughly $5.9 billion would allow our local elected leaders to address budget needs specific to Florida’s unique economic climate. As the needs of states vary significantly, we urge members of Congress to allow states the flexibility they need to allocate current and future coronavirus relief funds – especially for any Essential Critical Infrastructure “as defined in the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency Guidelines, Version 3.0 (April 12, 2020) (or as amended in the future).”

On behalf of our members, we thank you for your commitment and dedication during this time, and we look forward to continuing to work with our local, state, and federal partners to keep America strong, healthy, and prosperous for decades to come. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at [email protected].

With best regards,

Sally S. Patrenos, President
Floridians for Better Transportation