Governor Ron DeSantis today announced that full funding has been secured to complete the project to elevate the Tamiami Trail. The U.S. Department of Transportation has matched the state of Florida’s $40 million for the Tamiami Trail by awarding an additional $60 million to fully fund and allow for the completion of the Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase II project, which is critical to the Governor’s plan to preserve the environment.
Expediting key Everglades projects, including the Tamiami Trail, is part of Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 19-12. Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection thanked President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Florida delegation for their efforts.
“Expediting the Tamiami Trail project is a key component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Elevating the trail will allow for an additional 75 to 80 billion gallons of water a day to flow south into the Everglades and Florida Bay,” said Governor DeSantis. “I thank President Trump and his administration, including Secretary Elaine Chao, for yet again proving their dedication to the people of Florida as we work to restore our water quality and protect our environment.”
“I have continuously worked to ensure that Everglades Restoration remains a top priority in Congress. The Tamiami Trail project is just one component of that restoration plan, and once completed will provide increased water flows south of the trail,” said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. “As then Chairman of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I included $300 million for the National Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) program in the Fiscal Year 2018 bill. I recognized the critical need for timely completion of the Tamiami Trail Project and ensured this funding became law. With this $60 million federal grant, the project can complete its second phase, leading to an additional 6.5 miles of elevated bridging. I thank and commend Secretary Elaine Chao for her unceasing commitment to Florida, and for all she has done for the Tamiami Trail project. I would also like to commend Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, Pedro Ramos for his dedication to the Everglades and to our community. I look forward to this project’s completion and remain a steadfast advocate for the preservation and continued restoration of the Everglades.”
“Thank you, President Trump and U.S. DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing the importance of this project to Florida’s special eco-system,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault . “We are also appreciative for all the hard work of our Congressional Delegation in securing this funding. Florida is grateful for the partnership with our federal partners.”
“This announcement today is great news for Everglades Restoration and water quality in Florida,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “With the Governor’s leadership and federal partnership, we will be able to complete critical water projects like the Tamiami Trail Bridge Project, and continue expediting our efforts to do more for Florida’s environment now.”
This year Governor DeSantis proposed, and the Florida Legislature approved, $40 million in the FDOT work program as part of the state’s contribution to the project. Everglades restoration is incumbent on federal-state partnership. For thirty years, raising the Tamiami Trail has been a restoration priority. By working together, the Florida Department of Transportation and the National Park Service now have the funding to restore water flow south to the Everglades.
