Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation last Friday that establishes three regional task forces to study what’s called the “Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance Programs” within the Florida Department of Transportation. The legislation essentially looks to build three new toll highways in Florida.
It’s considered the most significant infrastructure project here in the sunshine state since the mid 1950’s. Advocates say the new roads will spur economic activity in rural areas, and ease congestion on existing roads -- at least in certain parts of that state -- as well as help with hurricane evacuation. It also includes investment in broadband, water, and sewer systems along with the road construction. Critics of the legislation, including scores of environmental groups, say it’s going to set into motion the destruction of much of Florida’s remaining natural and rural areas, and that it won’t address the state’s most pressing transportation needs. But, the details are far from worked out...and even its strongest advocates say they’re not exactly sure what it will do. That’s where the three regional task forces will come into play. We're joined by Frank Jackalone, the Sierra Club’s Florida Chapter Director, to get the latest. And we hear from Kaylee Tuck, she's a local land use attorney who grew up in Sebring, and supports the legislation.
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