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Commissioner: vetoed wastewater project may be revived; senator-filed bill could affect rural funding
Summary
A commissioner said a wastewater expansion project that appeared on a gubernatorial veto list is under review for revival, and identified a state bill backed by Senator Corey Simon and Senate leadership that could influence funding for rural counties.
Commissioner Harvey told the board that a wastewater expansion project affecting his area had appeared on a list of projects vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis but that county staff and local representatives are pursuing options to revive the project.
Harvey said a representative, Judson Sapp, asked him to contact staff after the veto and that staff drafted a letter that Harvey later delivered. Harvey said he met with Sapp last week to discuss resuscitating the wastewater expansion.
On state policy, Harvey urged attention to a measure he called the “World Renaissance bill,” which he said was filed by Senator Corey Simon and supported by Senate President Ben Albritton. Harvey described the bill as potentially important for rural counties because it “gives some protection for rural counties” and can affect how state funding is allocated.
Why it matters: A revived wastewater project could affect infrastructure and service capacity in the county. The state legislation referenced, if enacted in a form that benefits rural counties, could change how state resources are distributed to smaller jurisdictions.
Additional local notes: Commissioner Alexander announced that new docks at Pico Boat Ramp are installed and thanked private donors and county crews. Alexander also raised a change in procedure for removing derelict vessels from county waters, saying the process is different now compared with three years ago and staff will review current options.
Next steps: Staff will continue to pursue options to restore the wastewater project and will report back when plans are ready. No formal county vote was recorded during these comments.
