Topic: Cost of pollution control programs

Local reporters for Historic City News were on hand today when dozens of representatives of the St. Johns County Economic Development Council met with regional planners at the Airport Conference Center.

The topic at this morning’s meeting was the costs and complications of meeting state and federal regulations of Florida’s pollution control programs.

Assistant Administrator Darrell Locklear led a discussion concerning costs related to “water quality” for local governments and the business community in St. Johns County.

Locklear identified the county’s “High Five” capital project needs:
1 – Mandated inter-operable radio system
2 – Fire Rescue master plan
3 – Essential transportation infrastructures
4 – Federal storm-water mandates
5 – County detention facility capacity mandates

“Last year, the entire county public works capital plan was about $18.2 million,” Locklear reported. However, there will be a “significant financial impact to St. Johns County” to cover water quality costs associated with Total Maximum Daily Loads compliance and proposed federal Numeric Nutrient Criteria for the State of Florida.

County Engineer Press Tompkins, P.E. and District 1 Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson listened as Locklear explained that St. Johns County is “proactively engaged” in the process; seeking better water quality science, finding cost-effective solutions within established timeframes and developing better stakeholder relationships.

Also participating were representatives from both Flagler and Volusia County Associations for Responsible Development as well as the American Planning Association First Coast, engineering and planning firm England-Thims and Miller, Catalina Group, and legal perspectives presented by environmental attorney Rich Maguire with the Rogers Towers law firm.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer