Carbon Reduction Strategy 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) requires FDOT, in consultation with Florida’s 27 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), to develop a Carbon Reduction Strategy (Strategy) to reduce transportation emissions from surface transportation. This Strategy will support the IIJA’s Carbon Reduction Program, which provides $320.4 million to Florida over the next five years by doing the following:

  • Support the reduction of transportation emission in the state
  • Identify safe, reliable, and cost-effective options and strategies for projects
  • Consider the population density and context of the state

Florida’s Strategy will support Federal goals to reduce transportation emissions from on-road highway sources by: 

  • Reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, 
  • Facilitating the use of vehicles or modes of travel that result in lower emissions, and 
  • Facilitating approaches to construction that result in lower emissions. 

 The Carbon Reduction Strategy is due to USDOT by November 15, 2023.

Several objectives within the Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) currently support statewide carbon reduction goals, and the Carbon Reduction Strategy will provide FDOT and our partners with a targeted approach to further reduce transportation emissions while delivering solutions to make our roadways safer, more efficient, and more resilient.

 

 

Performance Measures and Targets 

A proposed rule by FHWA will require the Department and MPOs to establish performance measures and targets for greenhouse gas emissions. Once these targets are established, the Department and MPOs must show progress toward achieving the targets.  

Both the Strategy and performance targets require coordination between the Department and Florida’s 27 MPOs. 

 

Funding 

The IIJA established a new formula funding programs for Carbon Reduction. Formula funds are distributed to state DOTs and are not a competitive grant program.

 The IIJA allocates 65 percent specifically based on population of respective cities. These funds will be distributed to their respective FDOT Districts, who will use the project priority lists provided by the local governments and MPOs to match appropriate funding sources to projects. The remaining 35 percent is available for use anywhere in the state. Currently, FDOT plans to invest those funds to increase truck parking. Truck parking needs in Florida exceed capacity throughout the state with truckers driving further and longer specifically in search of safe parking. Increasing truck parking availability, using notification systems to assist truckers with finding safe parking, and providing electrification, share, or other amenities can help reduce transportation emissions.

Carbon Reduction Quick Guide

The Quick Guide is designed to assist MPOs in developing goals and objectives to support the reduction of transportation emissions and to identify projects that align with those goals and objectives. The Quick Guide also contains a list of resources so MPOs can easily access answers to questions regarding the implementation of the IIJA program.

Public and Partner Engagement Plan

This Partner and Public Engagement Plan outlines the strategies that will be used to consult with the MPOs and engage with other partners and the public during the development of the Strategy. The purpose of this document is to gather and share information on the Strategy and receive valuable feedback.

 

MPO Meetings 

Multiple opportunities in various formats are being provided to ensure a robust engagement process with the MPOs. Input is being sought through a variety of methods including surveys, questionnaires, presentations, and document reviews. The following meeting(s) focus on group discussion to receive feedback on topics including:

  • Incorporating carbon reduction into LRTPs,
  • Goals and objectives,
  • Trends and conditions, and
  • Proposed strategies.
December 11, 2022

 

 

For questions or comments, please email the FDOT Office of Policy Planning at planning@dot.state.fl.us. 

Contact Information 

April Combs
Statewide Planning Coordinator
April.Combs@dot.state.fl.us
(850) 414 - 4817