County banks on $200M sewer bond
BY TIMOTHY O'HARA
Citizen Staff
A state bond that could bring $200 million to Monroe County for much-needed wastewater projects has cleared its first hurdle.
The Florida House Environmental & Natural Resources Council on Wednesday passed an amendment to an Everglades bill authorizing $200 million in state bond funding to go to the Florida Keys. The money would be used to meet a July 2010 deadline that calls for every business and residence to be connected to a central sewer system. The amendment was proposed by the council's chairman, Rep. Stan Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, and presented by Florida Keys Rep. Ron Saunders.
The amendment to H.B. 1135 related to Everglades bonding authorizes the issuance of state bonds not to exceed $50 million per fiscal year for no more than four fiscal years, specifically for the purpose of providing state funding for wastewater projects identified in the Keys wastewater plan, submitted to the state last year, Saunders said.
"This is only the first step in the process, but we are pleased," Saunders said. "Passage of this bond authorization shows that the Legislature realizes how important it is to restore and conserve our natural resources in the Keys."
The bond still must pass the full House and Senate. If passed, the funding could begin flowing at the end of the year, Saunders said.
"This is what I have been waiting for," Monroe County Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro said.
"[Mayfield] told us he would get it through. Now we have to get it through the entire Legislature. I have been working with Mayfield for a long time on this. He believes in what we are doing down here. I think we are going places with this."
The council's approval shows there is solidarity between the county and state on wastewater issues, said Di Gennaro, who has visited the state Capitol several times to lobby for the bond issue.
"It is good the county is united on this issue and I am glad to see we are uniting with our friends in the state Legislature," Di Gennaro said. "[Legislators] realize the importance of preserving our oceans and our reefs and our environment down here. We have to preserve our reefs for every Floridian."
The county and Keys municipalities need $350 million to connect all businesses and residences to advanced wastewater systems, according to a report submitted to the state.
