Florida Gov Rick Scott announced that the $39.9 million South Florida Logistics Center (SFLC) project will receive a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
South Florida Logistics Services (SFLS), a subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries Inc (FECI), is developing the SFLC and requesting transportation infrastructure funds for Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC) site access roads at FEC Hialeah Yard and 67th Avenue, truck loading ramps, and internal traffic circulation roads.
Scott said, “I am committed to ensuring that our transportation projects create more job opportunities for Florida families. With this $2.5 million investment for the South Florida Logistics Center, we’ll create more than 1,000 jobs for families in the Miami area, which is great news.”
This $2.5 million investment is among the first four grants for the ILC Infrastructure Support Program. This program provides an annual allocation of $5 million with a 50% matching fund requirement from applicants.
ILCs play a significant role in expanding Florida trade and logistics infrastructure by enhancing the state’s seaports, airports, railroads, and supporting intermodal highway connectors.
FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad said, “The ILC Infrastructure Support Program is an important part of the department’s commitment to support freight growth in Florida. By enhancing our trade and logistics infrastructure we will create job opportunities and strengthen Florida’s economy.”
Chris Scott, president and chief executive officer of SFLS, said, “The Florida Department of Transportation’s comprehensive trade and logistics infrastructure programs represent a powerful engine for economic growth, fueling both job creation and a renewed interest in South Florida as the nation’s premier international business hub. This grant will inject resources directly into the construction of an advanced transportation road network that will move goods seamlessly through our ports, and across our state and to destinations throughout the country.”
FDOT selected four projects to fund from a total of eight applications received in the FY 2012/2013 funding cycle. The other three selected projects include Keystone ILC Terminal (Jacksonville), Port of Panama City Intermodal Distribution Center (Panama City) and Port Manatee Commerce Center (Palmetto). All four selected projects support and create a total of 1,213 direct and indirect jobs.
The 2014 funding cycle is now open. The department is accepting applications for the next $5 million annual allocation:
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