Today, Governor Rick Scott joined members of the Clewiston and Belle Glade communities to highlight his proposed $50 million investment to expedite repairs for the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. This funding is part of the Governor’s historic $1.7 billion recommended investment for Florida’s environment and will build on the $50 million in this year’s state budget to kick-start critical repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. Governor Scott is the first governor in Florida history to invest state money into this critical federal project. In October, the Governor secured the commitment of White House Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike. See more HERE.
development
Workforce Development Open House for I-4 Ultimate Project
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold an open house for the I-4 Ultimate project’s Workforce Development program. The purpose of this open house is to inform the community of the project and the potential job opportunities that are available throughout the project. The open house will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with brief presentations at 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Career Source Center, 609 N. Powers Drive, Orlando, FL 32818. Anyone is encouraged to apply for the opportunity to build a career in the construction industry. Please note: this is an informational open house only. No applications will be taken and no interviews will be conducted.
The I-4 Ultimate project will transform 21 miles of Interstate 4 (I-4), from Kirkman Road to State Road 434 with new express lanes, reconstructed general use lanes, interchanges & bridges, and landscaping throughout the corridor.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator by phone at (386) 943-5367, or via email at [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Katie Widdison, Project Public Involvement Coordinator, by phone 386-212-0449, or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Media questions may be directed to the FDOT public information office: Jessica Ottaviano at 386-943-5473 or via email at [email protected].
Senator Tom Lee Pledges to Repeal Florida's Sports Development Program
Senator Tom Lee (R–Thonotosassa) announced today he intends to repeal Florida Statute 288.11625, known as the Sports Development Program, which use sales tax dollars to pay for the construction, renovation or improvement of sports facilities.
“The Sports Development Program was ill-conceived and based on the false premise that these capital improvements are a boon for economic development,” Senator Lee said. “Professional teams are vying for taxpayer funds to pay for largely superficial facility upgrades, many of which are already in progress or completed. History has shown that team owners will make these investments without hardworking families having to foot the bill.”
Under the Sports Development Program, sporting projects and complexes seeking Florida tax revenue must submit proposals to be evaluated by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Then the disbursement of funds must pass approval by the Florida Legislative Budget Commission. The state can award up to $13 million annually for all certified applicants. The maximum annual distribution for a single sports franchise facility is $3 million, and distributions can be made for up to 30 years.
