Jim Rosica
Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday told the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) “to work with other state agencies, Florida ports, law enforcement and fuel retailers to begin examining ways to increase fuel capacity during emergencies such as hurricanes,” according to a press release.
The department’s report will be submitted next January and “will include recommendations for fuel distribution and availability to consumers,” the release said.
“We (need to) be sure families and visitors have the resources they need to safely prepare and evacuate during times of emergencies,” Scott said in a statement.
“Last month, 6.8 million Floridians evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Irma, the largest evacuation in U.S. history, and we are committed to making sure our state remains fully prepared for any potential disaster,” he said.
“Increasing the availability of fuel for evacuations at Florida gas stations is a top priority and I look forward to reviewing FDOT’s findings.”
GOP House Speaker Richard Corcoran last month suggested the creation of a state-run gasoline reserve in Florida, an idea that was seconded by Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who said the federal government should consider setting it up.
Scott also has directed state officials “to begin examining ways to help expedite evacuation routes from the I-75/Florida Turnpike Interchange near Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border during times of emergencies.”
