The I-4–Selmon Expressway Connector was originally conceived in the 1980s as a high-speed route between South Tampa (to include MacDill Air Force Base) and Orlando, as well as from Lutz to Brandon. It also serves to divert commercial traffic and hazardous cargo from Ybor’s historic district. Planning for the project was completed in late 2008, with funding secured in the summer of 2009. Despite falling gas tax revenues and the ongoing global recession, THEA was able to obtain about $105 million for the $487 million project from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, allowing the project to begin construction in March 2010. The remaining funds will be paid off over time with a $1.25 toll for traffic The projected time of completion was set around 2014; it was hoped that the highway could open as soon as early 2013, however in May 2013 the opening date was set as "by December 31".