from staff
The 60-day 2011 Legislative session began Tuesday. Rep. Lake Ray, a Republican representing District 17, is one of the members of the Duval Legislative Delegation. Ray, a civil engineer, was elected to the House in 2008 and subsequently re-elected. The Daily Record will feature legislators during the session.
What is the biggest issue facing Northeast Florida this session?
Broadening our economic drivers to increase job opportunities through our ports and streamline or eliminate government programs that discourage business growth.
What will your role be in resolving it?
Passing legislation that supports funding, planning and regulatory reform for state ports and related businesses.
What bill are you sponsoring or supporting that you consider most significant?
I have three bills, HB 399, HB 1153 and HB 1155, which focus on strategic planning, funding and permitting for ports and support infrastructure.
HB 399 Seaports increases the funds the Department of Transportation is required to make available for the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program; establishes a Florida seaport infrastructure bank; provides for revenue bonds and indebtedness to be issued by the Florida Ports Financing Commission; provides for certain freight mobility projects; exempts overwater piers, docks and structures located in deepwater ports from stormwater management system requirements; and requires the Department of Environmental Protection to issue notice of intent for port conceptual permit and related permits within a specified time and to notify specified entities of certain compliance.
HB 1153 Infrastructure Investment directs the Secretary of Transportation to designate the assistant secretary with duties relating to economic development, investment opportunities and transportation projects; provides for a Trade Infrastructure Steering Committee, State Infrastructure Bank Selection Committee and Strategic Intermodal System Project Selection Committee; revises provisions relating to concurrency requirements, and more.
HB 1155 Transportation Project Funding redirects funds in the State Transportation Trust Fund and portions of amounts contracted for construction projects of the Department of Transportation to be used for prioritized projects.
Do you have support for them?
The bills are being co-sponsored by many in the Legislature.
What’s the hottest legislative issue this week?
The budget and unemployment compensation.