DeSantis awards $18M to help boost state’s aggregate supply chain

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an $18 million grant, the first part of a $100 million initiative aimed at improving the state's supply chain and aggregate storage over the next five years. This funding is expected to increase the storage capacity for aggregate materials by 1.2 million tons and enhance rail access to existing facilities. Essential materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete are crucial for construction projects.

At a news conference in Bradenton, DeSantis emphasized the importance of a strong supply chain for Florida's economic stability. He noted that the state cannot depend on federal solutions and that these grants will help boost capacity and ensure timely delivery of vital materials.

This initiative is part of the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, approved in 2023, which leverages the state’s $4 billion budget surplus to fund critical infrastructure projects that address congestion and support population growth.

The five grant recipients include Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad, receiving $3.7 million for a new terminal in Lake City; Capital Asphalt, awarded $1.5 million for a terminal in Tallahassee; CSX, which will get $3.9 million for a terminal in Plant City; Port of Tampa Bay, receiving $6.2 million for a terminal with a 500,000-ton capacity; and JAXPORT, awarded $2.6 million to expand rail capacity and storage.