Well, this is what I think and know----331 is a State Hwy. Hwys are to be funded by the State. 331 is in Walton Cty so the Mid-Bay Auth. has no say ! It is our county's only evacuation route out of So Wal . Yes, expansion is needed-but when? When hurricanes occur and storms that run the vacationers out? Lots of discussion needs to be brainstormed b-4 any actions occur. #1 = Local input must occur !!!
New highway 331 bridge in Walton County
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DeFuniak Springs, Florida – $237,500 in federal funds has been designated for the widening project of U.S. Highway 331 by the federal government along with an additional $95,000 towards the widening project of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge. The funding was secured by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill following several years of visits to Washington, D.C. by Walton County commissioners and administrative leaders.
Senator Nelson announced the appropriation to Walton County commissioners Kenneth Pridgen, and Cecilia Jones, and other county officials during their visit with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. March 13. President Obama had just signed the bill which included the funding for Walton County.
Federal funding for widening U.S. Highway 331 is the number one priority for Walton County, says County Administrator Ronnie Bell. “This is the first time we have received federal dollars for this project,” he says. “Although our request to federal leaders for this project is seven million for widening the highway and five million for widening the bridge, the $332,000 awarded for these projects will enable us to secure future funds more easily,” he says.
U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller agrees with county leaders that U.S. Highway 331 plays a major role in public safety and economic development. “Highway 331 is a critical North/South artery for Walton County and the entire length of Northwest Florida,” he says. “This expansion means reduced traffic, ease of evacuation in case of a hurricane, and a potential shot-in-the-arm for economic development. I appreciate the hard work of all those in Walton County who made this vision a reality.”
Senator Bill Nelson says this funding may be the beginning to future federal assistance. “Hopefully, this will help jumpstart these vital road projects,” says Nelson.
Senator Nelson announced the appropriation to Walton County commissioners Kenneth Pridgen, and Cecilia Jones, and other county officials during their visit with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. March 13. President Obama had just signed the bill which included the funding for Walton County.
Federal funding for widening U.S. Highway 331 is the number one priority for Walton County, says County Administrator Ronnie Bell. “This is the first time we have received federal dollars for this project,” he says. “Although our request to federal leaders for this project is seven million for widening the highway and five million for widening the bridge, the $332,000 awarded for these projects will enable us to secure future funds more easily,” he says.
U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller agrees with county leaders that U.S. Highway 331 plays a major role in public safety and economic development. “Highway 331 is a critical North/South artery for Walton County and the entire length of Northwest Florida,” he says. “This expansion means reduced traffic, ease of evacuation in case of a hurricane, and a potential shot-in-the-arm for economic development. I appreciate the hard work of all those in Walton County who made this vision a reality.”
Senator Bill Nelson says this funding may be the beginning to future federal assistance. “Hopefully, this will help jumpstart these vital road projects,” says Nelson.
Good morning Kurt. Thanks for the update.
Does anyone in privity with the BCC know specifics about what these funds will be used for? Where will the funds be parked by the BCC until used? Thanks
Does anyone in privity with the BCC know specifics about what these funds will be used for? Where will the funds be parked by the BCC until used? Thanks
QUOTE:
Does anyone in privity with the BCC know specifics about what these funds will be used for?
I'm guessing the $$$ will go to lobbyist, more trips to Washington for the local commissioners and possibly a feasibility study done by a high paid consultant that used to work directly for the county.
Does anyone in privity with the BCC know specifics about what these funds will be used for?
I'm guessing the $$$ will go to lobbyist, more trips to Washington for the local commissioners and possibly a feasibility study done by a high paid consultant that used to work directly for the county.
Those Fed funds won't likely cover the lobbyists expenses alone. They sure as heck won't pave any roads, maybe a driveway or two, but no roads.
Here is an article about stimulus funding for infrastructure in NW Florida.
NWF to receive $88 million in stimulus | stimulus, state, gaetz - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
I am not sure if this is all encompassing but it looks like the bridge is not part of stimulus 1.
NWF to receive $88 million in stimulus | stimulus, state, gaetz - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
I am not sure if this is all encompassing but it looks like the bridge is not part of stimulus 1.
No Toll!
