WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative John L. Mica (R-7th District) today announced that federal assistance for a number of projects in St. Johns County has been given initial support from the House of Representatives. Congress is currently working to pass appropriations measures that provide funds for Fiscal Year 2004, which begins on October 1st, 2003. Project funds are included in several bills which secured necessary approvals over the past week.
"Our citizens in St. Johns County pay a significant amount of federal taxes to Washington, and it’s only fair that some of these funds be returned to benefit our community," Rep. Mica stated.
The Congressman continued, "I am pleased that a number of significant infrastructure projects in our region have received House approval for federal support and investment. Now it is important that the U.S. Senate joins in final approval of these projects."
Proposed funds for the following projects are included in the Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on July 24th and must now be passed on the House Floor:
$1.5 million - St. Augustine Intermodal Transportation & Parking Facility - This funding will be used to assist the City of St. Augustine in construction of an intermodal facility that will accommodate commercial buses, shuttles, taxicabs, trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as a parking facility. The City has already committed $6 million towards the proposed $8 million transportation center, which will be located at the northern end of the historic downtown business district on City-owned property.
$1.6 million – St. Johns County Council on Aging Transit Requirements - The St. Johns County Council on Aging serves as the State of Florida’s Community Transportation Coordinator for St. Johns County, currently the third fastest growing county in the State. The total $1.6 million includes
$800,000 for new transit coaches – The current fleet of 34 vehicles includes many which have high mileage and do not afford wheelchair access. 20 vehicles have exceeded their useful life, but previous lack of adequate funds have precluded their replacement at the appropriate rate.
$650,000 for a new bus operations facility – Currently there is no facility for conducting needed maintenance or repair work for the fleet of vehicles. A new facility would permit more cost-effective service and also serve as an administration center for the County’s transportation coordinator and transit service provider.?$150,000 for new bus shelters and passenger amenities – These federal funds will assist in the construction or lease of bus stop facilities and shelters, as well as appropriate signage to help direct passengers to the appropriate facilities.?The full House of Representatives also passed the Energy and Water Appropriations Act on July 18th. Funds in that public works measure include:
$100,000 – St. Johns County Shore Feasibility Study - This feasibility study will determine the costs and benefits of conducting a beach nourishment project from South Matanzas Inlet at Summerhaven and Marineland. Due to tropical storms and major hurricanes, the ocean shorelines in this area have been subject to significant erosion. These shores are a mainstay of the local economy and protection of this resource is of the utmost importance to residents and visitors alike.
$200,000 - Annual Beach Performance Monitoring - The Army Corps of Engineers recently completed a beach renourishment project along the ocean shorelines of St. Johns County, but is obligated by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection to conduct annual monitoring of this now-finished effort.Finally, the House is scheduled to pass the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations measure today. A provision of the bill provides funds as follows:
$350,000 – Central Sewer System - Certain areas of St. Johns County are suffering from severe stormwater and septic tank inadequacies. Over the past two decades, the quality of the surface water in the surrounding area has been adversely affected by poor water infrastructure. This contamination has caused the closure of major components of the Tolomato and Matanzas waterways to shellfish harvesting resulting in a negative economic impact. Affected areas include West Augustine, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine South and Anastasia Island.
Federal funds will help County officials implement the Storm Water and Non-Functional Septic Tank Replacement Project which will eliminate failing septic systems and restore the environmentally impacted Guana, Tolomato and Matanzas rivers. Together these waterways are ecologically valuable and are designated as a National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Guana River is also designated by the State of Florida as an Outstanding Florida Water and is home to the Guana Wildlife Management Area.