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Intergovernmental Affairs

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OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Contact:  Sheree Keeler, Director
                850-926-0919 x 705
                skeeler@mywakulla.com

The Director of Intergovernmental Affairs serves as the liaison and the point of contact for information, programs and initiatives relating to:

  • Adopted Infrastructure Plan
  • BP Oil Spill: RESTORE Act, Triumph Gulf Coast, NRDA Projects
  • Bike Trails
  • Economic Development  
  • Federal and State Programs and Grants
  • Federal and State Legislative Affairs
  • Procurement

 ADOPTED INFRASTRUCUTRE PLAN (AIP):  The County adopted an Infrastructure Plan in 2012, in an effort to bring together in one cohesive document an inventory of primarily County owned and operated facilities, property and infrastructure projects.  The projects range from new initiatives to improvements and repairs and maintenance to existing resources.  The AIP provides a road map for committing funds and resources on projects that will best serve the citizens of Wakulla County and to enhance the experience of our visitors. 

 BP OIL SPILL OF 2012:  On April 20, 2010, an unprecedented event occurred when the Deepwater Horizon mobile drilling unit exploded, caught fire, and eventually sank in the Gulf of Mexico.  This tragic event killed 11, injured 17 workers and released massive amounts of oil, natural gas and other substances from BP’s Macondo well into the Gulf of Mexico.   The five Gulf Coast State (Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida) immediately suffered from the environmental and economic damages of this event.  In 2016, a settlement was finally reached between BP and US Justice Department on the civil and criminal fines levied against BP. 

BIKE TRAILS:  The County developed a masterplan for Bike Trails, Sidewalks and Kayak/Canoeing paddling trails throughout the County to connect Wakulla cities and communities as well as Leon, Franklin, Jefferson and Taylor county. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:  The County’s point of contact for current information, County initiatives and regional planning.  The Director of Intergovernmental Affairs also attends state, regional and local partners and stakeholder meetings.   

FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS AND GRANTS:  Federal and state laws, policy and programs have a tremendous impact on local government’s funding, resources, programs and policies.  The Office of Intergovernmal Affairs serves as a liaison between County offices and state agencies regarding new and changing state and federal policies and program, including grant opportunities specifically for local government programs and services.

FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS:  Each year bills are filed and passed that directly influence and impact local government programs and services.   The Intergovernmental Affairs identifies and monitors legislation that could have an impact on local government and works with County and State leadership on support or opposition of proposed legislation.  Annually in preparation for the upcoming legislative season, the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs develops a list of recommended County legislative priorities for funding and initiatives to support or oppose.  Approval of the priorities establishes the framework for pursing federal and/or state funding and other legislative policy actions.