In a recent statement, Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt delineated ambitious plans to aggressively seek state and federal support for upcoming city projects, focusing on infrastructure enhancements and public safety initiatives. With an eye on the legislative agenda, Burt, leading the municipal council since 2018, has prioritized the acquisition of funding and legislative support to meet critical local needs.
During the 2023 session, Woodbury successfully lobbied for significant legislative victories, securing $7.5 million for the Central Park Renovation Project, along with a sales tax exemption for construction materials and modifications to a tax increment district to provide an additional $1.6 million, according to a release from the Mayor's office. Building on last year's achievements, the city aims to continue to proactively strategize with state and federal officials in addressing community needs and mitigating local taxpayer burdens.
For the 2024 legislative session, Mayor Burt's administration has laid out a series of fiscal priorities. Key among them is requesting $7.4 million in aid for constructing a new $14.8 million water tower critical for addressing contamination issues associated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The project also seeks to enhance the city's long-term water system resilience. Additionally, a referendum question for local option sales tax to fund a public safety campus expansion is set to appear on the fall 2024 ballot, a move directly informed by the city's anticipatory planning.
Woodbury's quest for enhanced public safety and infrastructure does not stop at the state level. The city has attained $3.4 million in federal dollars for PFAS treatment in three water production wells. The federal wishlist also includes $850,000 for Weir Drive's infrastructure improvements and $670,000 for in-vehicle and body-worn cameras for police officers.
Mayor Burt reiterates the council's dedication to maintaining an open dialogue and collaborative efforts with various levels of government, aiming to ensure Woodbury remains a community that provides high-quality service, infrastructure, and programs to all its residents. The city's proactive approach in reaching out to state and federal governments exemplifies a concerted effort to effectively steward the region's future development and growth, keeping the local community at the forefront of its legislative ambitions.
