PROPOSALS FOCUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS ?AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-St. Johns) today called for new measures to revitalize and improve the West St. Augustine area."I compliment St. Johns County leaders for their recent and past efforts to address some of the issues facing West St. Augustine," Mica stated. "However, serious problems remain and I strongly believe that as community leaders we need a much more aggressive plan to address unacceptable conditions there."
The Congressman recently visited the West St. Augustine area, meeting with local community leaders and Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) representatives to identify new initiatives and other action items to pursue. In a letter sent to St. Johns County Commissioners, Rep. Mica outlines proposals developed from that meeting:
Stricter code enforcement to resolve sanitation and health safety issues, focusing particularly on trash litter, abandoned buildings and makeshift dumping sites;Implement a plan to install a drainage system and retention pond, which will help eliminate standing water in ditches and related environmental issues;Commence with redevelopment plans for the West King Street business area, as well as other projects that improve the quality of life in the area; and Target illegal drug and substance abuse problems.??This past January, Rep. Mica successfully secured an initial $350,000 in federal funding to help County officials to eliminate failing septic systems and address stormwater drainage problems with the installation of a new central sewer system. The project will benefit West Augustine and other areas in the community.Congressman Mica has also been working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to begin a St. Johns Club. Using space donated by the Florida Low Income Housing Association, the new Club will provide mentor and after-school activities for low income adolescents "I am committed to securing federal assistance for these priorities," Mica concluded. "I commend local, State and private sector leaders for their efforts to date. Working together, we can improve the standard of living and the quality of life in West St. Augustine."
Rep. Mica will address the St. Augustine Chamber of Commerce at 8:00 am on Monday, March 15, at the St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village.