Intermodal Logistics Center Infrastructure Support Program.

(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 or airports as defined in s. 330.27.

(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 is 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)(a) There is created within the Department of Transportation an intermodal logistics center working group. The purpose of the working group is to coordinate the planning and development of intermodal logistics centers across this state. The working group shall be composed of the following members:

1. The Secretary of Transportation, or his or her designee.

2. The Secretary of Commerce, or his or her designee.

3. The Commissioner of Agriculture, or his or her designee.

4. One member from a seaport listed in s. 311.09(1), appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

5. One member from an airport, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

6. One member from an intermodal logistics center, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

7. One member from the agricultural industry, appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

8. One member from the trucking industry, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

9. One member from the freight rail industry, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

10. One member from the passenger rail industry, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

11. One member from a business located within an intermodal logistics center, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.

12. One member from a local workforce development board created pursuant to chapter 445, appointed by the president of CareerSource Florida, Inc.

(b) The Secretary of Transportation, or his or her designee, shall serve as the chair of the working group. The Secretary of Commerce, or his or her designee, shall serve as vice chair of the working group.

(c) Members of the working group shall serve without compensation but are eligible for per diem and travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061.

(d) The working group is responsible for all of the following:

1. Conducting a study of regional needs regarding intermodal logistics centers, including a breakdown of urban versus rural locations for intermodal logistics centers.

2. Determining the statewide benefits of intermodal logistics centers.

3. Evaluating the impact of existing and proposed freight and passenger rail service on existing rail corridors and the need for any additional rail capacity.

4. Evaluating key criteria used by the state to expand and develop the intermodal logistics center network through the use of the Strategic Intermodal System created pursuant to ss. 339.61-339.651, including any recommended changes to state law.

5. Evaluating the readiness of existing and proposed locations for intermodal logistics centers and developing a list of improvements that may be necessary to attract businesses to those centers.

6. Evaluating and recommending potential state policies that would enhance the development of a long-term statewide strategy regarding intermodal logistics centers.

7. Evaluating the operations of freight logistics zones as defined in s. 311.103(1), including the processes for their designation and funding.

(e) On or before January 1, 2027, the working group shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives providing the working group’s findings and recommendations regarding the responsibilities listed in paragraph (d).

(f) This subsection is repealed on June 30, 2027.

(9) The Department of Transportation is authorized to adopt rules to implement this section.