Central Florida News
Rep. Demings and Secretary Buttigieg Discuss Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
ORLANDO — Today Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg led a roundtable at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure law’s impact on Florida. The new law includes more than $283 million for expansion of MCO’s new Terminal C as well as additional funding for Central Florida’s other transportation infrastructure needs.
Said Rep. Demings: “Orlando International Airport is growing thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, which will keep planes flying, keep travelers safe, and ensure that Orlando remains the best place in the world to bring your family, host a conference, or start a business. I fought for the bipartisan infrastructure law because Floridians deserve safe, modern, and efficient airports, highways, and railroads whether they’re traveling for work, school, or vacation.
Congresswoman Val Demings (center, in red), U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (directly behind her), Orlando International Airport CEO Kevin Thibault (left of Sec. Buttigieg) as well as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (front, left) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (right of Rep. Demings) head to the 6th level of Terminal C for a press conference at Orlando International Airport to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure law’s impact on Florida Friday, October 21, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)
“Central Florida’s economy depends on transportation infrastructure, and this new investment is a huge bipartisan win for Florida. By continuing to expand alternative transportation systems here in Central Florida and around our state, we support not only our world class tourism industry but also our growing and dynamic workforce.”
Background:
Rep. Demings voted for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, citing the need to rebuild Florida’s economy and get people back to work. Said Rep. Demings on the vote, “When we invest in middle class America, when we invest in people who have to go to work every day, America does better.” The legislation included $25 billion over the next five years to improve airports.
Earlier this year, MCO received $50 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law for the Terminal C expansion. The funding will be used for four gates capable of serving either four wide body or eight narrow body aircraft. This was on top of $47 million per year for 5 years (over $233 million total) previously announced for Airport Improvement Projects at MCO.
Rep. Demings also called on the FAA to invest in a replacement building for the Central Florida Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility located at MCO. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $5 billion to replace Air Traffic facilities, update and upgrade equipment including landing and navigational aids, and improve safety, security, and environmental standards at facilities.
Over the last year the bipartisan infrastructure law has enabled thousands of infrastructure projects around the country, including:
- Historic funding for bridge repair and electric vehicle infrastructure
- Flood Mitigation and Resilient Infrastructure grants to protect Floridians from hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters
- Florida will receive $70 million for projects to mitigate flooding during extreme weather
- Highways, railroad, and rural road funding that keep drivers safe and moving.
- The bill has funded repairs on over 2,400 bridges nationwide to date, as well as 11,000 projects to improve driver, cyclist, and pedestrian safety
- Public transportation expansions that reduce commute times and help families and workers get where they need to go.
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EATONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) — Eddie Cole, a former Eatonville mayor, longtime coach, chaplain and community leader, has died at the age of 67, town officials confirmed.
Cole, widely respected for his dedication to public service and his influence in basketball, passed away just months after being inducted into the Rollins College Sports Hall of Fame.
In a statement, the Town of Eatonville remembered Cole as “a servant leader whose heart beat for the people of Eatonville.” Officials praised his compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment to the community’s progress.
“Mayor Cole’s compassion and commitment to progress will forever be etched in the heart of Eatonville,” the statement read. “We honor his life, leadership, and the indelible impact he made on generations past, present and future.”
Cole’s legacy spans decades of civic leadership, mentorship and faith-based service, leaving a lasting imprint on the town and those he guided on and off the court.
