NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2022
Contact:
Kinsey Miller
Public Information Office
(850) 926-0919 Ext. 712
Wakulla County Adopts Largest Annual Budget in the County’s History, Including Grant Funded Infrastructure Investments in Emergency Response, Disaster Resilience, and Wastewater Projects
CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla – On September 19, 2022, the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners adopted the largest annual budget in the county’s history at $202.6 million. The budget includes grant funding awarded by various agencies for almost $67 million in wastewater infrastructure improvement projects to safeguard the Wakulla Springs Basin and enhance disaster resilience. These projects include septic to sewer conversion in multiple phases of Wakulla Gardens and Phase IV of Magnolia Gardens, the elevation of several coastal lift stations, expansion of sewer availability in Crawfordville, improvements and capacity increases to existing force mains and the sewer collections system, and construction of a third train to the existing advanced wastewater treatment plant.
Wakulla County has allocated funding toward investment in emergency response, providing eight (8) new deputy positions for the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, three (3) new Fire Rescue personnel, and two (2) new personnel for the Road and Bridge Department. The budget also allows for a countywide emergency radio communications system that will increase operability with local, state, and federal agencies during times of emergency or disaster. This system will connect first responders and emergency services with Public Works and local schools to further Wakulla’s internal communications network.
Another notable project included in the budget is the paving and re-surfacing of an evacuation route in Panacea located at the intersection of Jer-Be-Lou Boulevard and Jer-Be-Lou Circle to Joe Mack Smith Street and Coastal Highway (US 98) in Panacea. In the event that Coastal Highway is impassable due to a natural disaster like flooding or a hurricane, this is an essential evacuation route that provides safe passage for Wakulla and Franklin County evacuees. Funding has also been allocated to resurface Smith Creek Highway from Mack Lake Road to Forest Highway 13.
“This budget reflects Wakulla County’s dedication to prioritizing the safety of our citizens, improving our infrastructure, and developing a disaster resilient community,” said County Administrator David Edwards, “through the strategic pursuit of grant funding we are making historic infrastructure investments that will benefit our citizens and our environment for generations.”
The projects noted above are just a few of those included in the adopted budget, to view the complete budget, please visit MyWakulla.com.