Leaders from the Concrete Coalition of Florida met with Florida legislators in Tallahassee. Together they discussed key state topics and initiatives that affect the concrete and concrete products industry.
“The economic and environmental benefits of building with concrete in Florida are numerous,” said Matt Sitter, president of the Florida Concrete & Products Association. “Concrete Days afforded us an opportunity to discuss with legislators the state’s building and paving priorities and how our industry can support them.”
Topics of discussion included Florida’s infrastructure and enhancing building codes for improved wind protection along Florida’s coastal areas.
Florida’s Infrastructure
The White House estimates that the budget accounts for $13.1 billion for rebuilding and modernizing Florida’s more than 3,500 miles of highway. It also indicates that an additional $245 million is for replacement and repairs for more than 400 bridges that are in poor condition. These are according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Build Strong Construction Initiative
The Florida Building Code deems Miami-Dade and Broward Counties as High Velocity Wind Zones. This requires a wind load design and building standard of 170 – 175 mph. However, areas such as the Panhandle only require a standard wind load of 130 – 140 mph. This is despite often being in the path of destructive hurricanes. The High Velocity Wind Zone is to be included for all new and rebuilt buildings within 10 miles of the Florida coast.
Environmental impacts and workforce development were also part of the overall discussion. That included new jobs created by Florida-produced concrete block and ready-mix concrete to support the infrastructure initiative. It also included the buffer provided by limestone operations. This buffer can help protect the Everglades and furnish plentiful, clean, and also low-cost water to South Florida residents.
About the Concrete Coalition of Florida
The Concrete Coalition of Florida consists of the Florida Concrete & Products Association (FC&PA), Florida Independent Concrete and Associated Products, Inc. (FICAP), the Masonry Association of Florida (MAF), and the Florida Masonry Apprentice and Education Foundation, Inc. (FMAEF).
