TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation came to Tallahassee Tuesday, as a part of his Grow America tour.
The goal of DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx's tour is to highlight the importance of America's infrastructure, as he hopes to encourage Congress to pass a long-term transportation bill.
In Tallahassee, Foxx visited with Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum to discuss a proposed project to state road 263 Capital Circle Southwest. It would increase access to the airport by creating a six lane road out of what is currently a two lane road.
Secretary Foxx also stopped by FAMU today to meet with students, hoping to instill the message of the importance of future generations to rebuilding America's infrastructure.
The university's president Dr. Elmira Mangum, says the secretary's visit was important for the students.
"I think its very exciting but it points to the quality of education that we provide and the exposure that we provide for our students," said Dr. Mangum, "so we're excited that the secretary is here and also the other people that are in the audience that are here to offer opportunities and exposure to our students for what their careers could be like."
U.S. Representative Corrine Brown from Florida's 5th Congressional District, agreed with Foxx's message today, saying it was important to take action on infrastructure issues now.
"We're in trouble in transportation," said Rep. Brown. "Transportation's always been the most bipartisan committee and we have not invested, we have not had a long term bill in years. We need a six-year bill so the communities can plan, we need to invest and we have so many bridges and roads that are collapsing, how many bridges do we have to collapse before we wake up?"
The purpose of the Grow America proposal is to create more jobs, that would stem from repairing and modernizing roads, bridges, railways and transit systems.
The proposal hopes to ensure American businesses can compete in the global economy.
