Critically, there has been no better time for Jacksonville to embark on building new transportation alternatives. The infrastructure bill passed by Congress and signed by the President last year includes more than $39 billion for transit, funding that Jacksonville could use to invest in developing a system with reduced risk to local taxpayers. Partnerships with private companies like Brightline, which already holds the rights to passenger service between Jacksonville and St. Augustine for future high-speed rail, could further reduce the costs to taxpayers. Albert Einstein once said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. For decades, FDOT has repeatedly expanded highways with the expectation of a result besides more traffic. By choosing the No-Build Alternative on I-95 and rejecting a supersized highway for commuter rail, Jacksonville has an opportunity to break this cycle and open the door to a whole new world of transportation alternatives. These decisions would make moving throughout the largest city in the continental U.S. easier, cleaner and safer for all. To share your thoughts on the highway, contact Project Manager Michael Brock at michael.brock@dot.state.fl.us until close of business Monday, Jan. 24. Marcus Nelson is a UF graduate, pre-law student, urban planning advocate and political activist. He lives in St. Augustine.
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