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Putnam County leaders ask state delegation for sewer plant, port, software and broadband funding
Summary
Putnam County commissioners asked the countylegislative delegation for state help funding expansion of the East Palatka wastewater plant, improvements at Port Putnam, a new county financial system and continued rural broadband support.
Putnam County commissioners told the countylegislative delegation on Thursday they are seeking state appropriations and grant support for several infrastructure and technology projects, naming an East Palatka wastewater plant expansion, Port Putnam cargo-area improvements, an enterprise financial system replacement and rural broadband as top priorities.
County Commissioner Leota Wilkinson, speaking to Senator Tom Lee and Representative Judson Sapp, said the East Palatka plant has limited capacity and "we will reach full capacity very soon" as the county extends sewer service in East Palatka and San Mateo. "We are requesting appropriation for expansion of this plant," she said, adding the work would support septic-to-sewer conversions and reduce nutrient loads on the St. Johns River.
Wilkinson asked the delegation to support either a state grant application (the Springs Protection Program) or a direct appropriation for the wastewater expansion. She also told the delegation that in 2024 Port Putnam received state funds to demolish and reconstruct dockage and that the county now seeks funds to improve a 16,000-square-foot cargo area to accommodate imports and exports at the port.
On county operations, Wilkinson said Putnam's financial software is obsolete, describing it as an "old green screen" that is unsupported and a security risk. "We're asking for that support because that's very important to our clerk of courts office," she said, urging funding for a new ERP financial system.
Wilkinson also asked for letters of support for a Tri-County medical examiner partnership, repairs at Fort Gates Ferry and an expansion project at the county fairgrounds. She urged continued support for rural broadband, saying commercial options such as Starlink are not affordable for all residents and some pockets of the county remain without internet access.
Clerk of Court Matt Reynolds, speaking later, applauded last year's state bills that affected clerk funding and said he supports the countyrequests for an ERP upgrade; he said cybersecurity grants or appropriations would be avenues to pursue.
The delegation did not take action at the meeting. Officials present said they would follow up with staff and requested documentation and matching information for appropriations requests.
