AASHTO Journal - Florida DOT Issues Aggregate, Intermodal Grants

The Florida Department of Transportation recently issued more than $19.5 million in grants to improve statewide storage capacity and efficient movement of aggregate; an essential construction material for making asphalt and concrete. The agency also issued a $7.5 million grant to help beef up Florida’s intermodal logistics sector as well.

[Above photo by the Florida DOT]

Florida DOT said that $19.5 million – disbursed among five recipients – should expand existing aggregate materials storage capacity by more than 4.2 million tons. It also represents the second round of funding issues via the state’s Aggregate Grant Program, which provides up to $20 million each year to Florida’s seaport and rail partners for projects that will enhance the movement and storage of construction aggregate.

Jared Perdue, Florida DOT secretary, stressed in a statement that a readily available supply of aggregate is essential to ensure road and highway projects remain on time and are not impacted by supply chain disruptions.

“As major construction projects continue making progress throughout the state, these strategic programs and funding opportunities will ensure we’re poised for success,” he noted.

The agency added the $19.5 million in aggregate grants issued this year – which follows $18 million issued via the program in 2024 – serves as a multiplier of $27.3 million in private investments to the selected recipients, resulting in an economic impact of $116 million to Florida’s economy.

In addition to those aggregate grants, the fiscal year 2026 $7.4 million in grants Florida DOT issued via its Intermodal Logistics Center or ILC Infrastructure Support Program will support the development of the EastPort Logistics Park project, located in the heart of Jacksonville.

The agency said that project represents a critical investment in the state’s “long-term” vision to strengthen its position as a premier hub for global trade, logistics, and export-driven growth.

Florida DOT added that the ILC Infrastructure Support Program provides $15 million annually from FY 2029 through 2030 to support transportation infrastructure projects that enhance the movement of goods through Florida’s seaports to inland logistics hubs.