Florida Seaport System Plan - SeaCIP

Florida Seaport System Plan
terminal and expand the port’s cargo storage capacity for its Marine
Highway (short-sea shipping) operation and for other tenants. 8
• New Federal transportation bill. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)
is the current legislation that authorizes the Federal transportation program.
It was passed in 2005 and focuses on: improving safety; reducing traffic
congestion; improving efficiency in freight movement; increasing
intermodal connectivity; and protecting the environment. Funding under
SAFETEA-LU was heavily earmarked and/or designated for regions with
specific issues (e.g., rural, non attainment). SAFETEA-LU was scheduled
to expire on September 30, 2009. Congress has passed numerous
extensions to SAFETEA-LU and legislation is now scheduled to expire on
December 31, 2010. There is no clear schedule for reauthorization at this
time. The U.S. House of Representatives has been/remains prepared to act
on reauthorization, while the U.S. Senate and White House prefer to take up
legislation in 2011.
Key issues anticipated to drive the next authorization include: congestion;
safety; infrastructure preservation; livability; sustainability; and funding
mechanisms. Key themes are likely to include: increased funding; freight and
economic development; performance measurement; consolidation of Federal
programs; and high-speed rail. While the current authorization process is on
hold, bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee has released a proposed framework for reauthorization. With no
better information available, this proposal provides insight into the types of
programs that may be included in the future legislation. It contains numerous
freight elements, including a Freight Improvement Program and a Projects of
National Significance Program.
While the future authorization is unknown at this time, it is clear that
congressional leadership will likely consider a significant expansion of freightspecific
programs. Florida must ensure that its transportation program is
prepared and positioned to maximize the opportunities this new authorization
may provide. The Seaport System Plan, along with the other modal plans, the
Strategic Intermodal System Plan, and Florida’s Transportation Plan should
provide Florida with the necessary planning and programmatic infrastructure to
qualify for any new freight funding program. In addition, FDOT has an
established pattern of effectively engaging stakeholders in advisory committees
to guide development of these plans and programs. To address possible
discretionary programs for projects of national significance, FDOT will need to
continue working with its private sector and regional partners to identify and
build support for eligible projects. FDOT will need to monitor and participate
as appropriate in new authorization activities.
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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ports-awarded-nearly-95-million-in-tiger-iiinfrastructure-grants-105390123.html.
Florida Department of Transportation 5-19
December 2010