Following the recent signing of the state budget by Governor DeSantis, Palm Beach County's District 3 sees a financial windfall earmarked for a host of infrastructure and community projects. In a statement obtained by Palm Beach County Newsroom, Commissioner Michael Barnett expressed the county's anticipation of funds totaling over $8 million for various initiatives, including crucial infrastructure refurbishments and environmental restoration efforts.
The investment includes $1 million for the infrastructure of Central Palm Beach County, $1 million for the Village of Palm Springs’ Sewer Force Main Project, and $250,000 allocated to the City of Greenacres’ Chickasaw Road Expansion project. Addressing the state's contribution, Barnett remarked, "It is so important that we received these dollars back from Tallahassee, as Palm Beach County is a donor county and has contributed more than its fair share to Tallahassee for many years." Having communicated frequently with DeSantis' office, Commissioner Barnett secured these funds which will assist, neglected by time, the region's aging infrastructure.
Not limited to infrastructural developments, the County also celebrates the receipt of budget allotments for vital community services and environmental undertakings. Funding highlights include initiatives such as Restore Reentry and Lake Worth Lagoon Seagrass Restoration, alongside significant investment in the county’s water projects. Additionally, Palm Beach County's social services fabric strengthens with a $5 million endowment for the Cox Science Center and over $1 million for the Arc of Palm Beach County, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A hearty acknowledgment was given by Commissioner Barnett to all those whose efforts played a role in safeguarding the budget's passage. "A big thanks goes to District 3 staff, county administration and our legislative team, our local representatives and senators, and all of our county lobbyists and municipal partners who ensured these items made it into the budget," he stated. Demonstrating a collaborative spirit, these teams and individuals worked together, not merely as cogs and wheels but through committed effort, which culminated in the successful allocation of funds from Tallahassee to address the district's pressing needs.
