Rutherford Applauds BUILD Grants with Secretary Chao

Jacksonville, FL – Today, Congressman John Rutherford joined Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao, Mayor Lenny Curry, Congressman Al Lawson, Jr. (FL-05), and Jacksonville city leaders to formally recognize the awarding of two Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants that will provide $25 million in federal funding for important projects in Downtown Jacksonville. Rutherford, who is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, sits on the subcommittee that funds DOT and has used that position to strongly advocate for these grant projects in Washington.

"President Trump and his administration have made infrastructure investment a priority – and there is no better region in which to make these investments than right here in Northeast Florida," said Rutherford. "We are an epicenter of trade, commerce, business development – and a logistical hub on the Eastern Seaboard. I extend my thanks to Secretary Chao for her leadership in making these BUILD grants a reality for Jacksonville, and I remain committed to ensuring Northeast Florida continues to thrive as an economic powerhouse in the Southeastern U.S."

The City of Jacksonville will demolish the Hart Bridge Expressway and construct a ramp from the Hart Bridge to Bay Street/Gator Bowl Boulevard. At street level, a Complete Street will be constructed to include traffic calming measures and bicycle and pedestrian paths. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority project will deploy approximately 15 autonomous vehicles, dynamic connected traffic signals, smart lighting, pedestrian sensors, smart parking, and flood warning sensors. These developments are expected to attract billions in private sector investment, which will create jobs and spur economic opportunity.