*VIDEO RELEASE*

 FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue Testifies Before Congress

Perdue shares Florida’s perspective of flaws within the federal discretionary grant program

 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the discretionary grant program currently authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Secretary Perdue shared the challenges Florida has experienced in the new funding structure IIJA has created, shifting away from traditional formula-based funding and toward a heavier reliance on an expanded discretionary grant program. Operating in this manner grants the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) greater authority to implement a top-down approach, infusing ideological positions into award criteria for grant awards meant to build infrastructure.

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida continues to invest in our transportation infrastructure to reduce congestion, support our economic competitiveness and preserve Florida’s quality of life. The same cannot be said for the USDOT where injected political ideologies are arbitrarily prioritized over the needs of America’s traveling public,” said Secretary Perdue. “FDOT encourages Congress to continue their efforts and lay the groundwork for a transportation authorization that revives stronger formula funding, rejects the politicization of our nation’s highways, and equips states to prioritize projects that best meet the needs of their communities. Our industry is the literal foundation for America’s continued growth and success.”

The IIJA is comprised of three types of funding: (1) traditional formula-based allocations; (2) new, required formula-based programs; and (3) a much-expanded discretionary grants program, which totals approximately $158 billion. Halfway into the IIJA authorization, only 30% of discretionary grant funding has been awarded. Florida, as the 3^rd largest state in the nation, is only receiving 1.04% of discretionary grant awards thus far, which equates to $22.52 per capita, the second lowest in the country.

Nationally, discretionary grants have been averaging 18-24 months from award to grant agreement execution. Since the inception of IIJA, FDOT has had to set aside over $430 million in anticipation of grant awards. While sitting on the sideline, these funds were not building infrastructure that Florida communities need. This delay, coupled with the impacts of federally induced inflation, put awardees in a position of significant cost overruns before a project even begins. This is a major disadvantage for small and rural municipalities. In addition to these challenges, the 20% match requirements leads to some municipalities making the conscious business decision to no longer apply for federal discretionary grants.

To view Secretary Perdue’s full, written testimony, please click HERE. 

For additional information, please contact the FDOT Communications Office at FDOTCommunicationsOffice@dot.state.fl.us.