CLEARWATER, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2015)—According to a proposed budget filed by Governor Rick Scott last month, the Florida Department of Transportation will receive $9.9 billion in funding this year for strategic transportation projects. Doreen DiPolito, owner and president of D-Mar General Contracting and Development in Tampa Bay, Florida, applauded the move, citing its significance in supporting and creating construction jobs throughout the state. As the owner of a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, DiPolito is committed to raising awareness of the career opportunities for women in construction.
Florida’s proposed 2015 budget allocates $3.8 billion for highway construction projects and $350 million for aviation improvements, including $80.3 million for an aviation capacity project at Tampa International Airport. It also appropriates $109.6 million for seaport infrastructure enhancements as the state prepares to welcome massive new container ships following the expansion of the Panama Canal.
While PortMiami is nearing completion of its deep dredge to accommodate the new class of megaships, other Florida seaports, including Port Everglades and the Port of Jacksonville, are pursuing their own dredging projects. Additional seaport construction projects include extending berth capacity, expanding container storage space, erecting new cargo cranes and building terminals, transfer facilities and logistics centers. These projects are creating thousands of construction jobs at Florida’s 15 deepwater ports. In Port Canaveral alone, current and planned projects will require more than 4,500 construction professionals.
“This tremendous level of investment means that there will continue to be a strong demand for skilled workers. In fact, developers often have to hire people from out of state to fill all of their openings. That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging and supporting women in construction; the opportunities are virtually unlimited for those who pursue relevant training and apprenticeships,” said DiPolito.
To learn more about D-Mar General Contracting and Development and owner Doreen DiPolito, visit the company website.
