June 19, 2006 - Hotel Cut-off Date Approaching! - The 2006 FBT Leadership Retreat takes place in Orlando next month. While the Retreat doesn't start until Thursday, July 13, to be assured of getting a room at the Rosen Plaza Hotel for the conference rate of $109 per night, you must make your reservation by Thursday, June 22. That's why I encourage you to visit our '06 Retreat page and line up your hotel accommodations - as well as your Retreat registration - TODAY.

June 12, 2006 - The 2006 Legislature passed SB 1350 giving counties the OPTION of asking their voters to approve a $2 increase in the surcharge on rental cars, and using the dollars to meet their local transportation needs. This bill is awaiting Governor Bush's signature. That's why FBT is asking YOU to use our VoterVOICE system to send the Governor an e-mail in support of the Local Option Rental Car Surcharge.

June 5, 2006 - Hard to believe, but the 2006 FBT Leadership Retreat - taking place July 13 & 14 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando - is now only 5 weeks away! This year’s FBT Retreat will be held jointly with TEAM FL, Florida’s Turnpike and Expressway Authority Association, and will feature a Candidates Transportation Forum, an interactive TRANSPORTATION "Idea-raiser", an update on the 2006 Florida Electoral landscape, and another amazing Dinner Reception. Also, the Orlando Business Journal will be hosting a Transportation Luncheon following the conclusion of the FBT Retreat.

May 29, 2006 - The May issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition has a cover story about the sharp rise in the cost of materials and how it is forcing FDOT to rethink its construction program. This issue also includes stories about the Polk County Commission's willingness to take a political risk to deliver infrastructure, a cleanup of the Miami River, and a TSA training course for law enforcement agencies.

May 22, 2006 - The Keep Florida Rockin coalition led by FBT has activated its new website found at: www.KeepFloridaRockin.com. This website has been created to keep Floridians informed about an important issue that could adversely affect all of us. The website also has novel promotional items such as t-shirts. FBT thinks Florida should "Keep On Rockin!" in order to keep Florida's transportation system "rollin!"

May 15, 2006 - Is Florida About to Come to A Screeching Halt? - Due to a Miami federal court ruling, the supply of rock so important to meeting Florida's growing transportation needs is in serious jeopardy. A shut-down of Lake Belt mining in Miami-Dade would have a disastrous effect on ALL of Florida. It would run the very real risk of bringing Florida's economy and transportation system to a screeching halt! We think Florida should "Keep On Rockin!" ... in order to keep Florida's transportation system "rollin!" That's why FBT formed the "Keep Florida Rockin!" Coalition to publicize the transportation implications of a shut-down of Lake Belt mining.

May 8, 2006 - You're invited to attend and be a Retreat Sponsor at the 2006 FBT Leadership Retreat that will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando on July 13th & 14th! This year's Retreat will be held jointly with TEAM FL - Florida's turnpike and expressway association - and will focus on "Transportation & the '06 Elections." Attendance at FBT's Annual Leadership Retreat is NOT limited to FBT members, and this year's Retreat promises to be our biggest and best one yet.!

May 1, 2006 - This week, Florida Legislators will have a chance to cast a common sense, conservative vote in FAVOR of Local "Option" Rental Car Surcharge legislation (HB 301 and SB 2632) -- without any amendments. Earlier this Legislative Session, FBT President Doug Callaway testified in support of these bills. Now, more than ever, Floridians are asking their Legislators to vote FOR Florida’s future!

April 24, 2006 - Last week FBT issued a News Release concerning the possible shut-down of limestone mining in Miami-Dade and the disastrous statewide transportation implications of such action. A Miami federal judge may halt the mining of the rock so vital to meeting Florida's ever-growing transportation construction needs. Hopefully, once the transportation and economic "implications" of a shut-down on mining are widely known, the federal court will make the right decision for Florida's future.

April 17, 2006 - The April issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine has a cover story featuring FBT Board Member Thornton Williams and the practice of transportation law. Congratulations to you and your partners, Thornton, on this well-deserved recognition! This issue also includes stories about FDOT’s efforts to promote work zone safety, the development of a transit village in Hollywood, and the Florida black bear's losing battle against increasing traffic and development.

April 10, 2006 - Last week, FBT President Doug Callaway wrote every Florida Legislator asking them to use the surplus state revenue to RESTORE transportation projects that were delayed due to construction cost increases. Without more transportation dollars, Floridians and visitors will be facing longer and more frustrating traffic jams,more traffic accidents and fatalities, and decreasing economic competitiveness. NOW would be a great time to A.) e-mail, B.) write, C.) call, and/or D.) visit your Legislators and express support for this common sense idea!

April 3, 2006 - Last week, FBT President Doug Callaway testified in support of legislation that would authorize a Local "Option" Rental Car Surcharge. This legislation would authorize county governments to seek voter support to increase their existing $2 per day Rental Car Surcharge to $4 per day and use the new revenue for local transportation improvements. Simply put, it would be a local decision about local funding for local needs.

March 27, 2006 - According to a recent poll, TRAFFIC is the biggest problem facing Miami-Dade County. In the poll, some 500 registered voters were asked about their greatest concerns. Traffic topped the list among 26 percent of those polled -- more than double the next greatest worry about the quality of public schools at 9 percent. These results, underscore the importance of FBT's "Keep Florida Moving!" campaign. Clearly, people in Miami-Dade are "Tired of Traffic" and want some relief -- NOW!

March 20, 2006 - The 2006 FBT Leadership Retreat will be held jointly with TEAM FL on July 13th & 14th at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, and will focus on “Transportation & the ’06 Election.” Retreat and Hotel registration for the 2006 FBT Leadership Retreat is NOW available here!

March 13, 2006 - The March issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition has a cover story featuring the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) 2006 Engineering Excellence Award winners. FBT President Doug Callaway was honored to serve as a judge for this year's awards. This issue also includes a story about the Bush Administrations unveiling their proposed 2006-07 transportation spending plans. You can access this edition here.

March 6, 2006 - Last week in Orlando, the Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA) held a dinner to induct twenty outstanding individuals into the initial class of the Florida Transportation Builders' Hall of Fame. Floridians for Better Transportation's founding President Don Crane was among those honored. Here is more information regarding Don Crane and FTBA's newly established Hall of Fame.

February 27, 2006 - With the start of the 2006 Legislative Session now only one week away, FBT President Doug Callaway has again written to every Florida Legislator encouraging them to use a significant portion -- $1 billion -- of the additional $3.2 billion in new state revenue available this year to "Keep Florida Moving!" To emphasize the importance of transportation to Florida's economy and quality of life, FBT enclosed the "Keep Florida Moving!" DVD and bumper sticker for each Legislator.

February 20, 2006 - The February issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition focuses on the 10th Anniversary of the AMBER Alert System. It also includes an interview with Florida Congressman John Mica, and a story about the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority's efforts to provide SunPass transponders to low-income residents of Miami-Dade County. You can access FTM magazine online here.

February 13, 2006 - A new publication entitled "21st Century Highways - Innovative Solutions to America's Transportation Needs" may be of interest. Authors and subjects include John Fischer on the history of the federal highway program, Bob Poole and Ken Orski on toll roads, Shirley Ybarra on public-private partnerships, and Ron Utt on giving more responsibility to the states. Here is more information about this thought-provoking book.

February 6, 2006 - Governor Bush and Lt. Governor Jennings have released their Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2006-2007. Included is $8.3 billion for transportation. (Here's FDOT's New Release.) The Bush/Jennings budget recommends $7.4 billion for the Transportation Work Program, a 1.3 percent increase from current year funding and a 99 percent increase from seven years ago. To learn more about this proposal, e-budget information is available online.

January 30, 2006 - This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System. This 46,508-mile web of superhighways has transformed our nation and our economy. It is a symbol of American freedom and a tribute to human ingenuity. The Florida DOT has created a website to tell the Florida story of the Interstate Highway System. I encourage you to visit this attractive website and be sure to check out the video "Interviews" posted there.

January 23, 2006 - Last week, FBT President Doug Callaway was in Orlando to participate in the "Future of Florida Forum." Co-hosted by State Representative Don Brown and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, this event was A Statewide "Idearaiser" to Help Improve Florida’s Business Climate. Tied into the "100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future" initiative launched by future House Speakers Marco Rubio, Ray Sansom, and Dean Cannon, this forum provided an opportunity for FBT to recommend innovative transportation ideas.

January 16, 2006 - Mark Your Calendar NOW! The 2006 FBT Leadership Retreat will take place July 13th & 14th in Orlando at the Rosen Plaza Hotel ... and YOU won't want to miss it. This year’s Leadership Retreat will be held jointly with TEAM FL -- the Transportation & Expressway Authority Membership of Florida (representing Florida’s Expressway Authorities and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise) -- and will focus on “Transportation & the ’06 Election.”

January 9, 2006 - Florida is the fastest-growing state with numbers now exceeding even California and Texas! A negative consequence of this growth is a sharp rise in the costs associated with transportation improvements. These increased costs have forced FDOT to delay vitally-important transportation projects. This trend CAN'T be allowed to continue. That’s why FBT is urging the Legislature to use a significant portion of the additional $3.2 billion in state revenue expected over the next two years to RESTORE these projects and help “Keep Florida Moving!”.

January 2, 2006 - According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the average American spends 100 hours a year commuting to work - more than the 80 hours most workers take off for vacation each year! This week, FBT wrote members of the Florida Legislature to remind them that life is too short and our time too valuable to be spent stuck in traffic! That's why we encouraged them to “Keep Florida Moving!” in 2006.

December 26, 2005 - At this holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. This past year has been a very successful one for Floridians for Better Transportation -- and that's good news for transportation in the Sunshine State. Thank you for helping make 2005 such an outstanding year, and we eagerly look forward to a great 2006. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

December 19, 2005 - The December issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition focuses on FTM's Top 20 list of consulting firms in four categories -- construction engineering, planning, design and PD&E. This issue also includes an interview with Turnpike Enterprise Executive Director Jim Ely on public-private partnerships (P3), and an innovative hurricane protection project on Okaloosa Island in the Panhandle. You can access FTM magazine online here.

December 12, 2005 - The 2005 edition of the Florida DOT's "Pocket Guide to Florida Transportation Trends & Conditions" will be available shortly from the FDOT Office of Policy Planning in Tallahassee. This annual Pocket Guide will be useful in understanding Florida's transportation system, and is organized into three areas: the growing demand for transportation facilities and services, the current system or supply of transportation, and the impacts of the transportation system on our society.

December 5, 2005 - The Board of Directors for the Florida Chamber of Commerce has recently approved the 2006 Florida Business Agenda and the Chamber is putting the final touches on the 2006 edition of "Where We Stand." The document is a compilation of the Florida Business Agenda priorities, used to inform legislators of the Florida business community's top priorities. Included in the 2006 Florida Business Agenda are two transportation-related items which match up well with FBT's "Keep Florida Moving!" campaign.

November 28, 2005 - A new study by the National Chamber Foundation (NCF) of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has calculated a national transportation funding shortfall that threatens U.S. mobility and identifies specific strategies to address this deficit. This study is designed to identify funding mechanisms to meet our nation’s highway and transit needs. It examines funding options for the period 2006 to 2030. Here is the Executive Summary.

November 21, 2005 - Happy Thanksgiving! As we all know, the very first American Thanksgiving was held when the Pilgrims and their new Native American friends gathered in 1621 to give thanks to "Almighty God for all His blessings." This Thanksgiving Day, I encourage you to take a moment or two -- before the turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and football games -- to reflect on the blessings in your life and give thanks to God with genuine gratitude. And I want to THANK YOU for your support of FBT!

November 14, 2005 - The Century Commission will hold its first meeting on November 14, 2005, at the EpiCenter in North, Largo, Florida. The Commission is charged with creating a vision for Florida's future over a 25-year and 50-year horizon. The 15-member Commission will provide annual recommendations to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state's growth, development policies and effective community planning.

November 7, 2005 - $3.1 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR GROWTH MANAGEMENT - Governor Jeb Bush recently unveiled over $3 billion in transportation improvements as part of Florida's new growth management reforms. The $3.1 billion in transportation improvements includes $2.8 billion in state money and $351 million in public and private partner funding to enhance the Strategic Intermodal System. In addition, $52 million of County Incentive Grant Program and Small County Outreach Program projects were placed in FDOT's work program this year to improve roadways, safety and transportation facilities. Click here to learn more about these positive transportation developments.

October 31, 2005 - Florida's outstanding quality of life and dynamic economy is threatened by traffic gridlock. Earlier this year, Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature began to "Get Florida Moving" again. But in 2006, the transportation challenge will be to "Keep Florida Moving!" That's why FBT is launching the new Keep Florida Moving campaign. Here is the new Keep Florida Moving one-pager. This item and a wide variety of resources have already been posted on our Keep Florida Moving page.

October 24, 2005 - The 2nd Annual PPP Americas Summit will take place at the Capitol Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C. December 5-7, 2005. Among the speakers slated to appear are U.S. DOT Secretary Norm Mineta, Florida Senator Mel Martinez, and two speakers who have participated in past FBT Leadership Retreats -- Tyler Duvall with the U.S. DOT and Bob Poole from the Reason Foundation.

October 17, 2005 - The October issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition focuses on Florida's response to Hurricane Katrina, the effects of soaring gas prices on consumers, and Martin County's request for a Tri-Rail extension study. You can access an electronic version of FTM magazine here.

October 10, 2005 - Last week in Sarasota, FBT co-hosted with the Florida DOT the 2005 Environmental Management Conference -- an event designed to focus on best practices in transportation and the environment. This conference had over 430 people in attendance and more than 20 vendors. Visit the EMO Conference website for more information.

October 3, 2005 - Last week in Orlando, the Florida DOT hosted a Workshop on the new federal transportation act known as SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users). This act became law on August 10th and will help shape the federal highway and transit programs through 2009. Among those speaking at the Workshop were FDOT Secretary Denver Stutler, Assistant Secretaries Ysela Llort and Lowell Clary, and FHWA Florida Division Administrator David Gibbs.

September 26, 2005 - An extensive and impressive article about FBT's 2005 Leadership Retreat is contained in the new Summer issue of Florida Transportation Builder magazine. Jerry Marks, the writer of this story, paid FBT a huge compliment when he wrote that "commuters can only wish things ran as smoothly on Florida's roads as they did at the 2005 FBT Retreat." An copy of this article is available here.

September 19, 2005 - The September issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition focuses on Florida's statewide 511 traveler information program, the new Federal surface transportation bill known as SAFETEA-LU, and a piece on the Turnpike's efforts to build a tunnel connecting I-395 and the Port of Miami. You can access an electronic version of FTM magazine here.

September 12, 2005 - Recently, some politicians have reacted to the increase in gasoline prices by calling for a suspension of Florida's vitally-important state gas tax. While we ALL want a reduction in gas prices, this ill-conceived idea would provide little if any real benefit to motorists while costing Florida's transportation system millions of much-needed dollars.

September 5, 2005 - FBT's 2005 Leadership Retreat page is now fully "populated" and can be accessed here. Be sure to check out the great Retreat Photos section!

August 29, 2005 - "I have never accepted what many people have kindly said, namely that I inspired the nation. It was the nation … that had the lion heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar." - Winston Churchill. Join your "voice" with ours, and together we’ll "ROAR!" - Join FBT Today!.

August 15, 2005 - The August issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition focuses on transit security in Florida, Broward County’s ambitious plans to build a $1B light rail system, and Central Florida’s efforts to build a 61-mile commuter rail system to give motorists an alternative to Interstate 4. You can access an electronic version of FTM magazine here.

August 8, 2005 - The Florida Department of Transportation has been putting on Livable Communities Workshops at various locations across Florida this summer. Lead by Dan Burden and Billy Hattaway, these FREE workshops are open to transportation & other professionals, elected and appointed officials, and members of the public interested in learning more about transportation and achieving sustainable, livable, active communities.

August 1, 2005 - Following a nearly two year delay and an unprecedented 11 extensions, last Friday Congress passed and sent to the President H.R. 3, legislation reauthorizing highway, transit and safety programs. The funding level is a six-year total of $286.4 billion. (Here's a quick way to see how your House member voted.) Each state will receive at least a 19 percent increase of funding over its TEA-21 average. The distribution formula calls for a 90.5 percent rate of return in FY 05 & 06, increasing to 91 percent in FY 07 and to 92 percent in FY 08 and FY 09.

July 25, 2005 - The July issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This edition focuses on Florida's top seaports -- from an economic and a security perspective -- as well as including stories on Interstate projects in Orlando and Tampa, and a great piece on Express Lanes by recent FBT Retreat speaker Bob Poole. You can access the magazine here.

July 18, 2005 - Last week in Orlando, the outstanding 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat took place. From start to finish, this year's Retreat was an entertaining and informative transportation event attended by nearly 200 individuals! In keeping with the theme of "Transportation & Florida's Future," the iconic moment of the Retreat occurred when FBT President Doug Callaway kicked off the conference by riding into the conference hall atop a Segway Human Transporter.

July 11, 2005 - Well, it's finally here... our 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat is THIS WEEK in Orlando! We've got an awesome array of top-notch speakers and amazing presentations lined up for you. And, as difficult as it may be to believe, we're sure to top last year's outstanding Dinner Reception with our 2005 casual Dinner Reception at Fulton's Crab House at Downtown Disney. We'll see YOU there!

July 5, 2005 - In the June issue of ATM Insider, the monthly e-newsletter from Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) - FBT was favorably highlighted. The article entitled "Fueling the Florida Transportation Issue - A Hurricane of PR," credits a combination of grassroots outreach, savvy lobbying and web-related communications with helping secure additional transportation funding. The real credit for our success belongs to YOU ... our FBT Members and fellow transportation advocates!

June 27, 2005 - This past week was a GREAT one for transportation supporters in Florida. On Monday, Governor Jeb Bush signed H.B. 1681. This legislation was the 2005 "Transportation Package" that, among other things, contained much-needed Contractor and Engineer tort reform language designed to help curb frivolous transportation lawsuits. Then on Friday, Governor Bush signed the new Growth Management bill that will provide an additional $1.1 Billion for transportation next year and an extra $542 million each year thereafter.

June 20, 2005 - The June issue of Florida Transportation Monthly (FTM) magazine is now available. This month's edition focuses on Florida's ever-expanding aviation industry, the environmentally sensitive Wekiva Parkway project, and even an article by FBT President Doug Callaway recapping the 2005 Legislative Session. You can access an electronic version of FTM magazine here.

June 13, 2005 - With the 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat now only ONE month away, preparations for our very BEST Leadership Retreat ever are in full swing. Governor Jeb Bush has been invited to "kick-off" our Retreat with an address about "Transportation & Growth Management," and the remainder of our agenda features a dynamic line-up of outstanding speakers -- including House Transportation Committee Chairman Ray Sansom!

June 6, 2005 - FBT was pleased to serve as a cosponsor of TRANSPLEX 2005 with the Florida DOT last week. TRANSPLEX is a statewide transportation planning conference held every two years in Orlando and cohosted by FBT and FDOT.

May 30, 2005 - Confirming speculation, Florida DOT Secretary José Abreu recently resigned in order to become the Director of Aviation for Miami-Dade County effective July 11th. The Secretary's letter of resignation to Governor Bush is available here.

May 23, 2005 - The May issue of Florida Transportation Monthly magazine is now available. This month's edition focuses on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), and changes happening at both Tampa and Southwest Florida International Airports. You can access an electronic version of FTM magazine here.

May 16, 2005 - Thanks to FBT's outstanding members and Florida's other strong transportation supporters, the 2005 Florida Legislative Session was a very successful one for transportation with state transportation funding now slated to increase dramatically next year. As part of the Growth Management legislation (SB 360), transportation will receive an additional $1.1 BILLION in the next state fiscal year (FY 2005-06) and an additional $542 million each year thereafter!!! Details related to this additional funding are available here.

May 9, 2005 - You won't want to miss the 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat -- so register TODAY and mark your calendar for this one-of-a-kind event! The 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat will focus on “Transportation & Florida’s Future.” This year's Retreat will take place in Orlando on July 14 & 15 at the Hilton in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

May 2, 2005 - Registration, hotel, and sponsorship information for the 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat is NOW available here! You'll want to register first and then quickly reserve a Retreat Sponsorship. The theme of this year's FBT Leadership Retreat is "Transportation & Florida's Future," and our Retreat will be held at the Hilton in the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort on July 14th & 15th.

April 25, 2005 - Good news! There will be an additional $2.2 billion available this year for use in meeting our state's most-pressing needs. That's why FBT is encouraging everyone to contact their Legislators TODAY and URGE them to use this additional $2.2 billion for TRANSPORTATION improvements! We need to Get Florida Moving and "investing" this $2.2 billion in transportation projects will help ease traffic congestion. If you're sick & tired of being stuck in traffic then click here to use FBT's new "VoterVOICE" system to send your message!

April 18, 2005 - Last week, Governor Jeb Bush announced a plan to help fund transportation under his growth management proposal. It is encouraging that the Governor and the Florida Legislature now appear to recognize -- as does FBT -- the need to Get Florida Moving! Governor Bush's statement on this initiative can be accessed here, and a list of four upcoming "Conversations on Growth Management" is found here.

April 11, 2005 - A new monthly transportation magazine was just recently "launched" in Florida. Named Florida Transportation Monthly this publication is devoted specifically to Florida transportation issues and the industries that support it. A PDF version of the inaugural issue is avalable here. Be sure to check out FBT's "Stuck In Traffic? -- www.GetFloridaMoving.org" bumper sticker advertisements and the essay making "A Conservative Case for Transportation Investments."

April 4, 2005 - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends 100 hours a year commuting to work - more than the 80 hours most workers take for vacation each year. Based upon a new Census Bureau survey, Florida has 3 cities with the longest national commuting times and 16 counties! What this Census data shows is that instead of remaining the "Sunshine State" ... Florida is rapidly becoming the "Great State of Wait!"

March 28, 2005 - The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released their "2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure." This report reveals that our nation's infrastructure has shown little to no improvement since receiving a collective D+ in 2001, with some areas sliding toward failing grades. Roads received a "D" grade, while Aviation and Transit each did only slightly better with "D+" grades.

March 21, 2005 - At a recent Press Conference, FBT released the results of a Mason-Dixon survey in which the need for more transportation money was made plain. Three-fourths of Florida voters believe elected leaders should put more money into transportation and these same voters said lawmakers need not fear voter retribution if they raise motorists’ fees to do it. During this Press Conference, FBT also announced a new Web-based campaign -- GetFloridaMoving.org -- to encourage Florida lawmakers to support more money for transportation.

March 14, 2005 - FBT President Doug Callaway and 2005 FBT Chairman Tom Conrecode joined members of the Florida Transportation Commission in Washington, D.C. last week for meetings with the Florida Congressional Delegation. While there, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3 - "The Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users" by a vote of 417-9. In it's current form, H.R. 3 represents little progress for Florida on the key "donor issue."

March 7, 2005 - Florida is a state in the grips of gridlock, and it's time our elected leaders do something about it. That's why we will launch a new initiative this week called GetFloridaMoving.org. This new grassroots effort is aimed at persuading Florida's leaders to "Get Florida Moving" during the upcoming 2005 Legislative Session. Soon all Floridians will be able to visit www.GetFloridaMoving.org and tell their legislators the time they are wasting is ours -- and the time to act is now!

February 28, 2005 - This year’s 2005 FBT Leadership Retreat will be held July 14 & 15 at the Hilton in the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort in Orlando. This year’s FBT Leadership Retreat is focused on “Transportation & Florida’s Future,” and will feature outstanding speakers, entertaining & informative sessions, important topics, great networking opportunities, and family-friendly fun! So save the dates and plan to attend!

February 21, 2005 - According to published reports, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young has reached a deal with House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on transportation funding for donor states like Florida. Apparently, Young has promised DeLay and lawmakers from donor states that the minimum guaranteed rate of return will rise from 90.5 percent to 92 percent in the surface transportation reauthorization bill, and the current formula retained that determines which programs are counted toward calculating a state's rate of return.

February 14, 2005 - Florida has a HUGE problem on the horizon. An enormous financial “sinkhole” is looming ahead. According to FDOT, over the next ten years we need an additional $23 BILLION just to keep things the way they are TODAY! If left unattended, this “sinkhole” on the road to our future could cause serious harm to our economy, our citizens, our trading ability, our growth management efforts, and the very quality of life we all value. Steps must be taken today to “bridge” Florida’s transportation funding deficit.

February 7, 2005 - Obviously, the Investment$ in Motion plan would help get Floridians out of traffic jams, but what would it cost the average Florida driver? About $40 a year. That’s only $3.38 per month, 78 cents a week, or 11 cents a day! For about the price of a McDonald’s Happy Meal or less than one video rental a month, the Investment$ in Motion proposal would help all Floridians and our millions of visitors.

January 31, 2005 - A recent poll in Miami-Dade County shows a majority are spending more time stuck in traffic than a year ago, and it's harming their quality of life. These results clearly confirm the need for additional transportation dollars in Florida and lends support to the Investment$ in Motion plan.

January 24, 2005 - In response to the very positive feedback FBT has received to our Investment$ in Motion proposal, improvements have recently been made to this reasonable plan.

January 17, 2005 - Floridians for Better Transportation (FBT) is pleased to be a cosponsor of Florida's second Transportation Planning Exchange, TRANSPLEX 2005. This statewide conference will be held June 1-3 in Orlando. The theme of the conference is "Partnerships for a Better Florida" -- an idea that is right on target with FBT's efforts to make transportation safer and more efficient in Florida. See www.transplexfl.com.

January 10, 2005 - This week FBT President Doug Callaway will be testifying before the Florida Senate's Transportation Committee on the "Investment$ in Motion" plan. Having recently undergone some minor modifications to make it even more attractive to Legislators and their constituents, the Investment$ in Motion proposal would still provide $13.6 billion MORE for transportation in Florida over the next ten years -- without raising the state gas tax!

January 3, 2005 - President Reagan proved tax cuts can spur our economy. But he also knew investment in our highway and public transportation infrastructure is essential. That's why he raised the federal highway user fee 5 cents in 1982. Now its time for our state leaders to consider adjusting NOT the gas tax but other state transportation user fees to make our transportation system safer and to reduce traffic congestion.

2004 Story of the Week Archives