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'Accelerate Florida' With Construction, Crist Says

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By BRENDAN FARRINGTON

The Associated Press

Published: August 15, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist told state agency heads Thursday that he wants construction projects sped up so more money can be pumped into the sluggish state economy.

The governor said there is $28.6 billion in unspent construction money that has been approved over the past 10 years for new schools, road construction, water projects, prisons and more.

"That's dough that's got to go," Crist said as he was surrounded by agency heads during a news conference.

"It's almost $30 billion that can stimulate this economy significantly and create new jobs and that's why we have to move faster," said Crist, who is calling the effort "Accelerate Florida."

Over the past two weeks, Crist has traveled the state on what he called a listening tour on the economy. Stops included campaign-style events at restaurants and a news conference from a barber's chair that were great for TV shots, but light on economic policy substance.

Thursday's announcement had more substance, but still left questions.

"It's not a bad idea. It is important to spend money in Florida's economy right now. It's important to keep people employed," said House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber. "I just don't know how much will end up ultimately being accelerated. Until I know more, I'll cross my fingers."

Gelber also noted the irony of trying to spend state money to create jobs when slashes to the state budget cost jobs.

"Tens of thousands of people are out of work because of the Republican Legislature's work," the Miami Beach lawmaker said.

Crist also wants the state to find ways to streamline license and permit applications to help private businesses.

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