Grant Money Released for Freight Movement Improvements
In a move that could see improvements for trucking professionals in both supply chain management and freight movement, the federal government has issued $1.5 billion in grant funding from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program. INFRA has seen an increase in funding by over 50% recently with around $8 billion more to be added in the coming years.
Among the projects being funded by the latest release of grant money are:
Truck Parking Facility, I-4 in West Florida
As the corridor between Orlando and Tampa in Florida sees some 18,000 trucks per day, the need for parking while accessing amenities is vital. Grant money from INFRA will go to help pay for a new parking facility on I-4 that will be home to at least 120 parking spaces and provide electrical hookups for refrigerated freight.
Truck Parking and Bridge Replacement, I-40 in Tennessee
Tennessee will also see INFRA grant money as the Tennessee Department of Transportation will be able to utilize over $22 million to upgrade bridges and welcome center ramps while also upgrading bridges along I-40. This money will also go to improve parking options along I-40 to reduce illegally parked commercial vehicles and bring the state in line with the National Roadway Safety Strategy.
New Toll Road and Port of Entry, Otay Mesa, California
The Otay Mesa region of California will receive $150 million in INFRA funds to construct a new toll road and build a new port of entry. The current Otay Mesa port of entry is operating at capacity alongside the Tecate port of entry. The new port of entry is expected to alleviate pressure for drivers who are crossing the border and servicing both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.
Additional Fund Usage
Additional funding will go to pay for the Presque Isle Corridor Project in Maine along Route 1. This project will connect a bypass with Route 1 to alleviate congestion and offer drivers access to more amenities in the area. Part of the reasoning behind the Presque Isle Corridor Project is to address five known hotspots for traffic accidents in the region.
Additional Credit: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10181317/usdot-awards-grants-to-improve-truck-parking-improve-freight-movement
