Washington, D.C.: Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) today voted to pass the INVEST in America Act, which will fund transformational investments in our roads, bridges, transit, rail, and wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. This legislation includes $20 million for five projects within Rep. Demings’ district.

Said Rep. Demings, “The Invest in America Act is about jobs—good-paying, union, blue collar jobs. When we invest in middle class America, when we invest in people who have to go to work every day, America does better. Our communities need this funding now. Democratic and Republican mayors who are clear-eyed know that jobs can’t wait, repairs can’t wait, fighting climate change can’t wait, and protecting our health and safety can’t wait.

“I am glad to announce that major investments to improve Central Florida’s transportation infrastructure have passed the House. I chose these projects for this year’s request because each is important to keep pedestrians and other travelers safe.

“As the greatest country on earth we should be making the investments that we need to win the 21^st century and restore our communities and economy to what it should be. This transformative legislation will help us to rebuild America, reconnect communities, restore our global competitiveness, create millions of good-paying jobs, reduce the impacts of climate change, and support U.S. manufacturing. With this bill, we are on the right track to create economic opportunity for all in the 21st century and beyond and I call on our senators to swiftly pass this job-creating legislation.”

Read more on how the INVEST in America Act would:

• Create Jobs and Restore Our Global Competitiveness
• Invest in Underserved, Low-Income, and Rural Communities
• Tackle Climate Change
• Increase Safety and Support Alternative Transportation

Additional Resources on the INVEST in America Act:

• Fact Sheet
• FAQs
• Funding Highlights
• Website: https://transportation.house.gov/invest-in-america

The funding for Rep. Demings’ five projects, totaling roughly $20 million in investments for Florida’s 10^th District, was part of the new “Member Designated projects” initiative, which allows Members of Congress to advocate for specific project funding for important needs within their districts.

The projects requested by Rep. Demings and included in the legislation are:

• Contactless Payments System, LYNX – $1,032,500
• I-Drive Pedestrian Bridge, Orange County – $7,000,000
• OBT Sidewalks, MetroPlan – $3,012,472
• Pine Hills Trail, Orange County – $557,000
• Pres. Barack Obama Pkwy, City of Orlando – $8,360,000

Total – $19,961,972

Project Summaries

Project Name: Pres. Barack Obama Parkway – Phase 2 (MetroWest Blvd to Raleigh St)

Committee Designated Funding: $8,360,000

Project Sponsor: City of Orlando, FL

Location: Orlando, FL 32811

Summary: The funding is designated for construction of an extension of President Barack Obama Parkway (Phase 2) from Metro West Boulevard to Raleigh Street as a multimodal four-lane corridor with a 12-foot wide, multi-use trail and on-street bike lanes. This project is important for connecting a crucial transportation corridor in the area and improving job access in the Orlando metropolitan area. It will provide a parallel north-south road to Kirkman Road. It will also provide alternative transportation options with a multi-use trail and bike lanes. From a regional connectivity perspective, one of the transportation challenges in southwest Orlando is connectivity of streets due to natural features such as lakes or wetlands. Extension of the President Barack Obama Parkway corridor will address that challenge by providing increased connectivity northwest of Interstate 4, relieving traffic congestion on Kirkman Road and improving the overall transportation infrastructure of the area.

Project Name: LYNX Contactless Payment System

Committee Designated Funding: $1,032,500

Project Sponsor: Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX)

Location: 455 N Garland Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Summary: The funding is designated for additional capability to the existing farebox system software and hardware to enable smart card, mobile wallet, and credit/debit card acceptance as additional payment options for passengers. These payment methods provide a contactless “no touch” option, which is in high demand as a result of the COVID pandemic. To improve passenger service, LYNX has invested in an upgraded revenue collection farebox system for the fixed route transit buses that accepts cash and electronic payment fare media. It is anticipated that passenger expectations have evolved to expect these contactless options even as the pandemic comes under control. Additionally, these options provide the expanded capability of intermodal connectivity and seamless payment options between transit modes and transportation providers in the region.

Project Name: OBT Pedestrian Improvements (30th St – Gore St)

Committee Designated Funding: $3,012,472

Project Sponsor: MetroPlan Orlando

Location: US 441, Orlando, FL 32805

Summary: The funding is designated for improved substandard sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals and bring them up to current Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards and will improve street lighting. This corridor serves a Title Six community as defined by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and many transit-dependent residents.

Project Name: I-Drive Pedestrian Bridge

Committee Designated Funding: $7,000,000

Project Sponsor: Orange County, FL

Location: International Drive and Sand Lake Road (SR 482) in Orlando, FL 32819

Summary: The funding is designated for construction of a pedestrian overpass structure which will serve as a pedestrian/bicycle crossing and an aesthetic gateway within the International Drive District. The project will include utility adjustments, stormwater conveyance, pedestrian scale lighting, signage, traffic signalization adjustments, resurfacing and maintenance of traffic. The overpass is consistent with the International Drive 2040 Strategic Vision, will consider the architectural influence of hardscape elements included with the I-4/Sand Lake Road interchange associated with the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project, and will create a significant directional presence for travelers in the International Drive District. The overpass will benefit pedestrians and bicyclists by providing access and safe passage between each of the four corners of the intersection and greatly limits the interactions with motor vehicles.

Project Name: Pine Hills Trail Phase 2

Committee Designated Funding: $557,000

Project Sponsor: Orange County, FL

Location: Unincorporated Orange County, FL 32818

Summary: The funding is designated for design of a 12-foot-wide regional recreational trail, which will be located along the east side of Pine Hills Road from Silver Star Road (SR 438) to Clarcona-Ocoee Road where it joins Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail. Design of a 12-foot-wide concrete regional recreational trail that will accommodate multi-modal bicycle and pedestrian uses from Silver Star Road to Clarcona-Ocoee Road. The construction of the LYNX Super Stop includes a trail connector project between Pine Hills Trail Phase 1 and Phase 2 on Belco Drive. This project will include the design of utility adjustments, pedestrian safety accommodations including signage, enhanced crosswalks, drainage adjustments, and maintenance of traffic.