/// Accomplishments

■ The state of Florida is a major international hub accounting for approximately $158 billion in international freight and trade activity. Florida has invested over $260 million in seaport projects this past year, readying our ports for the widening of the Panama Canal in 2016.

■ A well-funded and well-maintained infrastructure is one of the top considerations businesses make before moving or expanding to the state. FDOT’s record $10.1 billion budget in 2014 provided for strategic transportation investments to welcome 97 million tourists in 2014 and over 700,000 private sector jobs since 2010.

■ Through public-private partnerships, the department has accelerated approximately $6.8 billion in construction projects. Most recently, the I-4 Ultimate P3 concession agreement allowed the department to advance the 21-mile project 20 years sooner than the project could have been delivered under traditional methods.

■ Florida continues to lower its reliance on Federal transportation dollars, with only 25% of spending in fiscal years 2016-2020 for planned commitments coming from federal aid.

/// new Initiatives

■ Governor Rick Scott’s FY 2015-2016 budget allocates $10.0 billion in strategic transportation investments statewide, including $3.6 billion for the construction of highway projects, $897 million for maintenance, and $575 million for public transportation development grants.

■ Adopted September 2014, FDOT’s Complete Streets policy promotes greater accommodation of pedestrians and bicyclists and to support Florida’s overall quality of life. Using the latest, best design criteria FDOT is incorporating complete streets in future roadway design and the Florida Greenbook of design standards.

/// Looking Ahead

FDOT is preparing for increased growth in various ways:

■ Autonomous Vehicles – The Florida Automated Vehicles initiative is leading the nation for the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies on public roadways. Automated vehicle technologies hold unprecedented opportunities in helping to reduce congestion and improve safety.

■ Space Industry – Cape Canaveral has transformed to attract commercial space companies. The department continues to work in partnership with Space Florida and the private sector to create jobs and solidify Florida’s position as the global leader in space launch and recovery infrastructure.

■ Future Corridors – The Future Corridors Initiative imagines and plans a transportation corridor where none exists today. In 2015, FDOT kicks off the visioning process for a new transportation corridor between Tampa and Jacksonville.