DeSantis Allocates $18 Million to Strengthen Florida’s Aggregate Supply Chain
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the allocation of $18 million as the first installment of a $100 million initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s supply chain and aggregate storage capabilities.
During a news conference in Bradenton, DeSantis emphasized the importance of a robust supply chain for Florida’s economic stability. “A strong supply chain is key to Florida’s economic strength,” he stated. “We can’t rely on Washington – we need Florida-based solutions. These grants will help our state boost capacity and ensure vital materials reach projects on time.”
The initial five grant recipients will collectively create an additional 1.2 million tons of aggregate materials storage, facilitating improved rail access to existing facilities. These materials, which include sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete, are essential for construction projects.
The funding is part of the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, a program passed in 2023 and backed by the state’s $4 billion budget surplus. These funds are designated for critical infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating congestion on highways and addressing Florida’s rapid population growth.
Highlighted projects include the transformation of the Interstate 75 interchange at Fruitville Road in Bradenton from a traditional cloverleaf configuration to a diverging diamond design.
The five awarded grants are as follows:
- Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad: $3.7 million for a new aggregate terminal in Lake City, accommodating 48 rail cars and 200,000 tons of aggregate annually.
- Capital Asphalt: $1.5 million for a new terminal in Tallahassee, expected to handle 80,000 tons of aggregate each year.
- CSX: $3.9 million for a new terminal in Plant City, providing 20 acres of storage capacity for 250,000 tons of aggregate annually.
- Port of Tampa Bay: $6.2 million for a new terminal with a capacity of 500,000 tons of lime rock annually.
- JAXPORT: $2.6 million to expand rail capacity and add 15 acres of storage for an additional 240,000 tons of aggregate each year.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue remarked, “Many Floridians don’t spend a lot of time thinking about construction materials until a disruption in our ability to supply those materials impacts their community. With the support and action of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, the transportation construction industry will be able to access these much-needed materials for our infrastructure projects that will help keep construction moving and on time.”
For further information, visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s website at FDOT.gov.
