Infrastructure

As the Build Back Better Act out of Washington gives hope to environmental justice advocates in Florida, an "anti-net metering bill" out of Tallahassee brings concern.

The money will be used to hasten efforts to undo the damage the Everglades suffered in the early 1900s.

The federal government poured billions of dollars into the state as stimulus during the COVID-19 pandemic, while tax revenues exceeded expectations.

Some nonprofit organizations say the FCC is not rolling out benefits for low-income families fast enough.

The money — if approved by state lawmakers — would pay for things like water treatment plants, shoreline stabilization projects and seawalls.

The largest chunks of money could go toward electric vehicle charging stations and an expansion of Amtrak services.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried was in Orlando on Tuesday to host a state summit on energy and climate.

The federal infrastructure package includes at least $100 million for Florida to connect more people to high-speed internet. Though the state has an office to distribute the funds, getting that money to rural communities could prove challenging.

Billions of dollars are on their way to Florida as part of the new infrastructure spending bill. Water projects may be the priority, according to a new report card.

Fried said she wants long-term investment in Florida's highways, its electric vehicle charging station network, broadband access and Everglades restoration.

The governor called it "pork-barrel" spending and says Florida is not getting a fair share of the money.

The report warns of serious risk from aging dams and levees, many of which are more than 50 years old.