Local Transportation Stimulus Projects

Received via electronic mail Friday from Greg Vickery, District Three Communications Coordinator for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on behalf of Larry F. Kelly the District Secretary was information concerning the economic stimulus package currently under consideration by President-elect Barack Obama and Congress.

The FDOT officials are requesting local governments to begin developing a list of transportation infrastructure projects that will aide in the creation of immediate jobs to help stimulate the economy. They are looking to approve for funding projects that can be let-to-contract within approximately 120 days after congress passes the bill authorizing the stimulus package.

To be eligible local governments must meet the following four criteria:

(1) Plans or design/build criteria package must be complete;

(2) All permits must be in-hand;

(3) All acquired rights-of-way must comply with the Right-of-Way Uniform Act; and

(4) Pursuant to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), all federal environmental studies, and documents must be completed and approved.

In the email, FDOT officials stated that they are concentrating this effort with county government. However, cities are free to include any projects they wish. They further stated that the list of projects be submitted by January 30, so that they may review the list and contact local governments for finalization and clarification.

In addition, they cautioned only those projects that are production-ready and have completed the environmental review would probably be included at this point.

Obama is pushing Congress to pass his $800 billion economic stimulus package to help jump-start the national economy right after he takes office on inauguration day January 20.