In May 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7068. The bill, also known as the “Innovation in Infrastructure” plan would build new highways and bring much-needed infrastructure upgrades to Florida’s rural areas. Proponents claim it is the biggest Florida infrastructure plan since the 1950s. Now, almost a year later, what can we expect from this spending plan?
The Plan
The Innovation in Infrastructure plan was designed to bring all manner of infrastructure to rural areas. That includes highways, sewage, electric lines, communication towers, water treatment, and more.
Rural Florida’s population has not kept pace with other parts of the state and rarely gets the proportional funding it deserves. If successful, the Innovation in Infrastructure plan would bring these areas up to the same standard as other parts of Florida.
2020 and Beyond
Experts suggest Florida will experience population growth of 30% over the next ten years, adding 10 million people by 2030. Florida is taking precautionary steps to ensure the current systems will be able to serve all those people.
Moreover, Florida sees nearly 100 million tourists per year. With so many people using roads, electricity, sewage, and clean water, Florida needs to be prepared for everything from Spring Break to half-price tickets at Disney World.
Yet the larger implication of this project is that rural Floridians will be more connected than ever before. Rural areas will become accessible without sacrificing the environment. The bill also aims to fund the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust fund, ensuring adequate transportation for the elderly, disabled, and others who cannot easily secure their own transportation.
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