Infrastructure

Buchanan said on Friday the FAA was sending $3.6 million to SRQ for a drainage and water management system improvement project.

“Northeast Florida, with its intricate network of railways, highways, and ports, remains a hotbed for federal investment and economic growth,” said Rutherford. “Following other major awards to the region, this grant will ease congestion downtown and clear rail obstructions near major hospitals.

On Thursday, Mucarsel-Powell, who is wrapping up her first six months on Capitol Hill, announced that DOT is sending $360,000 to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to help make the runways Key West International Airport safer. 

USF beat out more than 50 applicants across the nation for the funds which will be used for “advancing research and education programs that address the nation’s critical transportation challenges.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has been pushing for this funding for more than a year.

The I-4 Ultimate project was scheduled to be finished in 2021 with two toll lanes running in each direction down the center of the interstate from Kirkman Road south of Orlando to the Longwood rest area in Seminole County. That project is now reportedly at least nine months behind schedule.

“Not only are we concerned about failing inspections, but also the inconsistencies of how properties are scored,” Lawson and Adams wrote. “Not only are HUD properties failing inspections at a higher rate, but inspectors are passing units that have concerning violations including mold, bug infestations and sewer issues.

Bilirakis, who was the vice chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee when the GOP controlled the House, weighed in on why he was championing the proposal which Cunningham introduced last week.

“Infrastructure development and maintenance are critical for rural communities to become more resilient,” said DeSantis. “We will continue to help these communities as they prepare for the future by utilizing every resource we have.”

In Osceola County, voters can approve or shoot down a one percent sales tax increase while Volusia County ponders a proposal which raises the sales tax one-half of one percent.

Democrats from the Sunshine State fired back, blaming the White House for not moving quickly enough to help the Panhandle and Puerto Rico. 

The overall project is important to Eustis Public Works Director Rick Gierok. “We are looking at $1.5 million,” he told Florida Daily. We need expertise.” To get that expertise, the city is hiring $40,750 worth of consultants to help them plan this latest phase of upgrades.