Fdot Receives Grant To Fight Drunk Driving And Promote Other Traffic Safety Campaigns: You May Need Florida Drunk Driving Lawyer

TALLAHASSEE--The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has received a $6.8 million alcohol incentive grant awarded under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The grant will be used to fight drunk driving and to promote other traffic safety campaigns.

"Each year on Florida's roadways, more than 900 people are killed and 22,000 are injured in alcohol-related crashes," said Governor Lawton Chiles. "With these additional grant funds, we will save lives by enhancing programs to deter drunk driving and promote other traffic safety issues."

TEA-21 authorizes $500 million over six years (in fiscal years 1998 through 2003) under a new program for incentive grants to states that enact and enforce laws that make operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater an offense of driving while intoxicated. Fifteen states, including Florida, have an 0.08 BAC law in effect. Therefore, Florida will receive $6,845,012 in additional funding for fiscal year 1998.

"Florida is a leader in promoting safe-driving campaigns," said FDOT Secretary Tom Barry. "This grant will greatly enhance our current efforts to prevent drunk driving and make our roadways safer for Florida's residents and visitors."

The $6,845,012 awarded to the state of Florida has been obligated to projects in the following categories: Non-Construction, which has been authorized for use in the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program; and Construction, which has been authorized to fund Florida's contribution to the anticipated national research pooled fund. The State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program will receive $6,045,012 to be distributed to state and local governmental agencies and non-profit organizations, which are in the process of being notified.  In addition, $800,000 will be directed to the anticipated research pooled fund.

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