Brevard County and its municipalities have begun creating wish lists ahead of the Jan. 29 annual meeting of Brevard County’s seven-member delegation to the Florida Legislature.
Here’s a look at some of what the county and Brevard’s three most populous cities are looking for.
brevard county
The Brevard County Commission approved 21 priorities for submission to the legislative delegation.
Some are region-wide or state-wide requests and include:
Designates $100 million in recurrent appropriations for the Indian River Lagoon Conservation Program and establishes a state cost share for water projects that reduce sources of pollution. Remove legacy loading. Restore important ecosystem functions. Provide sound applied research to the Indian River Lagoon, Upper St. Johns River Basin, and Lake Washington. Dedicates at least $50 million in state funds in cost-sharing grants to maintain sand on Florida’s beaches. Develop programs, processes, and contingencies. A funding source to clean up hurricane debris, including derelict vessels that pollute state waters or impede navigation.
These are unique to Brevard County, and the county is seeking financial assistance.
A $625 million advanced wastewater treatment facility to serve the Port Saint John service area. a $125 million South Brevard water and wastewater treatment facility; Space Cost Area Transit is transitioning from aging diesel vehicles that are beyond their federal useful life to low- and zero-emission battery electric buses and hybrid electric vehicles. This initiative aims to improve the reliability and affordability of transportation. A federal feasibility study to raise the road above the lagoon and allow for the removal of the causeway. The West Central Avenue Bridge replacement just west of Porpoise Merritt Island Street.
palm bay
The Palm Bay City Council approved nine priorities, including supporting changes to the provisions of affordable housing measures previously approved by the Florida Legislature and finding ways to help reduce homelessness.
Palm Bay-specific requests include:
$5 million in funding and $2.35 million in city match to help Palm Bay expand septic-to-sewer conversions to 415 more homes. $1.5 million in funding to expand the network of underground fiber optic cables to remote urban facilities. City Match: $1.69 million.
melbourne
Melbourne City Council has approved 21 priorities, including supporting and protecting local government autonomy, which is at the forefront of the agenda for many counties and cities.
Other common requests include:
Support laws, projects, and programs to adequately fund, manage, protect, and restore the Indian River Lagoon and its contributing waters. As a result, it would help states fund programs designed to cover the additional costs of meeting quiet zone and railroad crossing safety standards. the introduction of high-speed rail such as Brightline passenger rail service; Support legislation to fund countywide anti-homelessness programs and homeless housing that adheres to state restrictions on public camping and sleeping.
Melbourne-specific requests include:
$6 million for the $12 million Fire Station 72 Replacement Project. $1 million for $3 million design work for Melbourne’s downtown streetscape project. $1 million for a $2.5 million Front Street boat dock/ramp project.
Titusville
One of Titusville’s general priorities is restoring the Indian River Lagoon. Support for home rule. Support for expanded housing delivery options. And he increased funding for bicycle and pedestrian trails that crisscross the state.
Titusville’s local priorities include:
Widening of State Route 405 to alleviate traffic congestion. Increased vocational training and other certification programs at local academic institutions.
Dave Berman is FLORIDA TODAY’s business editor. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54.
