In a recent city council meeting, officials announced a significant grant of $4.3 million from the Transportation Planning Organization aimed at addressing chronic flooding issues in DeBary. The city’s contribution will be approximately $1.4 million, making it a collaborative effort where the city pays less than a third of the total project cost. This funding is crucial for the engineering work needed to rebuild a road that has not been adequately maintained since December.
The council unanimously approved the proposal for Allen and Company Land Surveying services, with an amendment allowing the city manager to execute the agreement and related documents. This procedural step is expected to expedite the project’s initiation.
In addition to the grant discussions, council members shared updates on community events. Vice Mayor Buckland highlighted a successful paint event at the Gateway Center of the Arts, while Council Member Pavliano praised a recent community gathering featuring local fire trucks and law enforcement, which fostered community engagement.
Council members also discussed ongoing efforts to secure additional funding, with plans for a second round of grant releases totaling $3 million. The funding comes from settlements related to past lawsuits, with the council emphasizing the importance of utilizing these funds effectively.
Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to infrastructure improvement and community involvement, with officials optimistic about future funding opportunities and ongoing projects.