West Augustine sewer finance update

Historic City News reporters will be observing commissioners tomorrow night when Public Works Director Martha Graham makes public the progress on the city’s bid for $23.5 million in state funding to accomplish proposed West Augustine sewer upgrades.

A city request to seek $23.5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Revolving Fund has been accepted and goes to public hearing in Tallahassee August 10th.

Notification of the acceptance is on the agenda for Monday’s regular City Commission meeting.

Funding through the state revolving fund was one of the initiatives discussed at a recent city-county joint workshop to tackle needed infrastructure improvements in West Augustine.

Public Works Director Martha Graham says the requested funds, targeted for West Augustine sewer upgrades, will compete with other sewer projects statewide.

The application process includes a point system to rank projects and determine amounts.

Graham says the funding can come as grants, low interest loans, or both.

In addition to the $23.5 million for project construction is a request for additional funding for detailed planning of the project.

If you are planning to attend — the regular St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph