Business View Civil and Municipal | February 2021

29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL FEBRUARY 2021 FLOR IDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTAT ION ( FDOT ) BVM: In what ways is FDOT Inspiring Innovation and Fostering Talent? Thibault: “Of particular note in this focus area is our SunTrax facility, ideally located off Interstate 4 in the central part of the state. It is our cutting-edge facility developed by FDOT and our Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, dedicated to research, development, and testing of emerging technologies in a safe, controlled environment. The first phase completed in 2019 was a two- mile, four-lane oval track that allows the testing of multiple technologies simultaneously. We also have a LEED-certified operations center with training and testing facilities. We are in the midst of upgrading the interior of that oval track for connected autonomous vehicle technology testing. “We’re the only state in the southeast to have this technology and capability. In sync with that, we’re looking at expanding Florida’s electric vehicle charging network by installing EV charging stations at service plazas along the Florida Turnpike, and EV charging infrastructure throughout the state. We’ve been charged with putting together an action plan and report, due in July 2021, outlining the next steps in regard to electric vehicles. Because that’s the future. One of the connected autonomous vehicles projects is in Gainesville, where we’re looking at vehicle to vehicle, and vehicle to infrastructure applications. And Florida’s first project to deploy cellular vehicles, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies, is in Pinellas County. So, we’re focusing on technology to inspire innovation throughout the state. “Fostering Talent is an internal focus based on recruiting and retaining the best talent within the state to work for the agency to help support all these different ideas and opportunities. When I was interviewed by the Governor and the Transportation Commission, they asked me what I thought the biggest challenge was, and it wasn’t delivering Florida’s $10 billion a year work program. It’s really about recruiting and retaining. Making sure that we have the talented staff to be able to support the 22 million residents and the 130 million visitors that come here each year.” BVM: How are storms and climate change impacting transportation infrastructure? Thibault: “Sustainability and resiliency are a major part of our project development. In 2004/2005, we had a significant number of storms crisscross the state, and we learned