Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty and Franklin Counties are teaming up to improve regional infrastructure. The partnership connects the Gulf of Mexico to Interstate 10.
The Panhandle counties are forming what’s known as a freight logistics zone. Working together gives the area higher priority when it comes to state funding and incentives, and Sen. Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) believes that could help grow the local economy.
“This is the way to address the crisis that we’re facing,” Montford says. “We need jobs in North Florida, we need economic development in North Florida, this project is a way that we can get it done.”
Rep. Ramon Alexander (D-Tallahassee) says, “We’re strategically located in order to move resources and create opportunities to expand infrastructure and build out our economic development plan.”
“And so where we are,” he goes on, “with the Interstate, access to rail, access to water—it is absolutely paramount that we capitalize on that.”
Local leaders believe the region is naturally inclined to freight and shipping with its access to the Gulf of Mexico, rail lines and Interstate 10.
