Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Glades Wins-Hendry Loses In Scott's Budget

New $5M Emergency Ops Center In Glades Slated
MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- State Representative Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring) expressed her appreciation to Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday for approval of projects important to Florida's "Heartland" region including Glades county. The Governor signed the $69.9 billion state budget in a Jacksonville-area ceremony. Among projects approved was $5 million for construction of an Emergency Operations Center in Glades County.

But Scott targets some environmental items and vetoed a $2.3 million wastewater treatment plant in LaBelle, and $3.5 million for a forced main sewage line at Airglades Airport in mid-Hendry County.

"This was a tough budget year, and I think we made a compelling case that this inland EOC facility was of strategic importance to the region, especially in the event of a hurricane impact on either coast," said Representative Grimsley. 

"The Governor clearly agreed, and Glades County will benefit in two ways: better infrastructure for delivering crisis response and one less expense for county taxpayers to shoulder." Hendry county had a new operations center built on State Road 80 west of LaBelle two years ago.

Representative Grimsley served as chair of the House Appropriations Committee and worked to procure the funding with fellow Glades County Legislative Delegation member, Senator J.D. Alexander (R-Lake Wales), who served as chair of the Senate Budget Committee.

"I appreciate Senator Alexander for his partnership, as well as county officials who helped shepherd the issue," said Representative Grimsley. "It was truly a team effort."

The Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget takes effect on July 1, 2012.

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