(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation the Intermodal Logistics Center Infrastructure Support Program. The purpose of the program is to provide funds for roads, rail facilities, or other means for the conveyance or shipment of goods through a seaport, thereby enabling the state to respond to private sector market demands and meet the state’s economic development goal of becoming a hub for trade, logistics, and export-oriented activities. The department may provide funds to assist with local government projects or projects performed by private entities that meet the public purpose of enhancing transportation facilities for the conveyance or shipment of goods through a seaport to or from an intermodal logistics center.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the term “intermodal logistics center,” including, but not limited to, an “inland port,” means a facility or group of facilities serving as a point of intermodal transfer of freight in a specific area physically separated from a seaport where activities relating to transport, logistics, goods distribution, consolidation, or value-added activities are carried out and whose activities and services are designed to support or be supported by conveyance or shipping through one or more seaports listed in s. 311.09. (3) The department must consider, but is not limited to, the following criteria when evaluating projects for Intermodal Logistics Center Infrastructure Support Program assistance:(a) The ability of the project to serve a strategic state interest.
(b) The ability of the project to facilitate the cost-effective and efficient movement of goods.
(c) The extent to which the project contributes to economic activity, including job creation, increased wages, and revenues.
(d) The extent to which the project efficiently interacts with and supports the transportation network.
(e) A commitment of a funding match.
(f) The amount of investment or commitments made by the owner or developer of the existing or proposed facility.
(g) The extent to which the owner has commitments, including memoranda of understanding or memoranda of agreements, with private sector businesses planning to locate operations at the intermodal logistics center.
(h) Demonstrated local financial support and commitment to the project.
(4) The department shall coordinate and consult with the Department of Commerce in the selection of projects to be funded by this program.
(5) The department 1is authorized to administer contracts on behalf of the entity selected to receive funding for a project under this section. (6) The department shall provide up to 50 percent of project costs for eligible projects. For eligible projects in rural areas of opportunity designated in accordance with s. 288.0656(7)(a), the department may provide up to 100 percent of project costs. (7) Beginning with the 2024-2025 fiscal year through the 2029-2030 fiscal year, $15 million in recurring funds shall be made available from the State Transportation Trust Fund for the program. The Department of Transportation shall include projects proposed to be funded under this section in the tentative work program developed pursuant to s. 339.135(4). (8) The Department of Transportation 1is authorized to adopt rules to 2implement this section. 