Florida House Democrats tout repeal of contentious state toll road plan
“To see that get peeled back by about 85 percent, that was a huge win for us,” one Democratic lawmaker said.
News Service of Florida
As the House is set to scuttle large parts of a controversial toll-road plan, House Democratic Co-leader Evan Jenne on Monday chalked up the move as a victory for Democrats.
Jenne, D-Dania Beach, told reporters that a bill (SB 100) to repeal the road program dubbed the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance, or M-CORES pushed through in 2019 by then-Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton would protect sensitive environmental lands and lower costs for taxpayers.
7 hours ago by Amy Green (WMFE)
Orlando is among fewer than a dozen local governments across Florida to commit to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Photo by Amy Green
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A bill advancing in the Legislature would prohibit local governments from setting limits on energy sources powering homes and businesses within their jurisdictions.
The measure comes as a growing number of cities set goals for powering homes and businesses with clean energy, including Orlando.
Toll road repeal clears first House committee
The Legislature approved the M-CORES program just two years ago.
Legislation to repeal a contentious plan to expand Florida’s toll road network took its first steps in the House.
On Friday, the House Appropriations Committee heard Senate bill
If passed, the bill would cancel plans for the Heartland Parkway and an extension of the Florida Turnpike. It would also dismantle the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (
M-CORES) program approved just two years ago as a top priority of then-Senate President
Bill Galvano.
Rep.
Jay Williamson presented the Senate bill in committee. The Pace Republican said it’s important Florida devote its road trust revenues to improving existing infrastructure instead of taking on the startup costs of new roadways.
State officials considered the highlighted portions of north central Florida for possible extension of a toll road out of Citrus County and northern into Jefferson County. The plan has evolved due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation) Home/Getting around/Florida For Two Years Considered Adding More Toll Roads, And Now Much Of That Idea Is Likely Dead
Florida For Two Years Considered Adding More Toll Roads, And Now Much Of That Idea Is Likely Dead
By News Service of Florida
April 16, 2021
TALLAHASSEE A Senate proposal to scuttle large parts of a controversial toll-road plan was fast-tracked Friday to the House floor.