HomeMy WebLinkAboutFederal Funding Workshop Minutes 01-11-2007BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
FEDERAL FUNDING WORKSHOP
Date: January 11, 2007 2:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Chris Craft, Doug Coward, Paula A. Lewis, Charles
Grande, Joseph Smith
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Marie Gouin, Management and
Budget, Katheryn McKenzie-Smith, Asst. County Attorney, Don West, Public Works
Director, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Craft.
Mayor Benton, City of Ft. Pierce addressed the Board and requested adding the Federal
Courthouse to the list that is being presented to the Legislature. He also requested the
relocation of thee wastewater treatment plant off the island funding also be added.
The Chairman introduced Greg Burns and Thomas Bradshaw, Marlowe & Company,
lobbyists for the county.
Mr. Burns made opening remarks with reference to what he felt was a priority list for
federal funding request. He commented on the bills and the WRDA Bill not previously
passing. He expects the Senate to act more quickly and the House to be more amenable.
He believes this time they have an 85% chance to pass.
Mr. Burns stated with regard to the National Waterways Alliance Letter, he felt the
county needed more conversation before endorsing any bill in a letter. The Board needs
to be able to provide input and awareness of issues.
Mr. Burns advised the Board that the legislature agrees on 12 appropriations bills yearly.
If WRDA is passed it will be in the FY2009 appropriations bill.
Beach Nourishment - Richard Bouchard addressed the projects. Funding for Ft. Pierce is
in pretty good shape.
Mr. Burns stated the South County Feasibility Study should be a priority. The Indian
River Terminal basin is a problem. The permits for the Army Corps ran out and we need
to see where they are as far as re-applying for the permits. Boats and ships are getting
stuck and causing a problem.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens- Mr. Bill Hoeffner gave an overview on this project and
stated they were making headway with the city of Ft. Pierce.
Com. Grande stated he was not sure the golf course is a goal of significance.
Com. Coward stated he was hesitant to have this issue on the agenda since limited funds
are available. Heathcote does not seem to be a priority and is geared more towards
economic development.
Mr. Burns stated a funding source for this project could be from Economic Development
initiatives.
A discussion was held with regards to Homeland Security and the Research Education
Park.
Mr. Burns advised the Board no funds were allocated for Homeland Security at the
federal level.
TRANSIT
The County Administrator advised the Board they would be utilizing last year's package
of $3.1 million for transit. They will ask for $ 6million and hopefully get $1 million
back.
AIRPORT
BALANCE OF NEW RUNWAY FUNDING
The Airport Director suggested the Board go after the funding for this project. They
would need $3.2 million for the runway project.
The following are the suggested rankings of projects made by Marlowe to submit to the
legislators in Washington:
1. BioTec- EDI $ 3,100,000
2. South County Beach Feasibility Study $500,000.
3. Transit Buses - $ 6,000,000
4. Runway Project- $ 3.2 million
5. Hutchinson Island Wastewater Plant $10 million
6. Ft. Pierce Federal Courthouse - $ 49 million
7. Ft. Pierce Beach (if necessary dollar amount unknown)
8. General Everglades funding (unknown at this time)
Heathcote Botanical Gardens ???
Staff will have these items on the January 23`d agenda for Board approval to submit.
RECAP
The County Administrator gave a recap of meeting.
Discussion of the Indian River Terminal letter about problems with turn basin- and
request the Army Corps renew permits (this does not related to the Washington trip)
Refine last year's package $ Smillion Research and Education Park and agenda for
February 6th meeting.
Transit request $ 6million -The Community Services Director, Beth Ryder will be
putting together a package.
Runway funding request $3.2 million
Ft. Pierce Wastewater Treatment Plant -use last year's package and request $ 10 million
for re-location.
Federal Courthouse most of $49 million.
Councilman Jack Kelly from the City of Port St. Lucie commented on the need for a
Courthouse in the City of Port St. Lucie.
The Chairman asked if there were any issues the city wished to place on this list.
Councilman Kelly stated there was not.
Com. Coward commented regarding the city CRA and donating of land for such a
project.
Councilman Kelly stated a site had been set aside in City Center for a courthouse.
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The County Administrator stated they would be looking for a location for a south county
Health Department.
The Board discussed having a full blown environmental workshop for the public with
regards to the Geo Plasma plant. The Board need not be present unless they wish to.
The County Administrator stated he had contact with Geo Plasma and they are still trying
to work out some things before the January 20`h meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.
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