St. Johns County Receives $26.5 Million in State Appropriations
- 27 June 2024
- Category: SJC News Infrastructure
- Tags: 2024
St. Johns County announced it will receive $26.5 million in the fiscal year 2025 State of Florida appropriations for five projects, including public safety, transportation, beach restoration, and cultural affairs. Adam Tecler, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, updated the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on June 18, 2024.
On June 12, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the ”Focus on Florida’s Future” Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. St. Johns County will receive State funding for the following projects:
- All Hazards Regional Fire Training Facility & Unified Command Center
FY 25 State Appropriation: $7.5 million
With the capacity to address the five regional counties’ NFPA and ISO training requirements, this facility will feature training infrastructure for Fire Suppression, Urban Search and Rescue, Hazmat Response, and EMS. The Unified Command Center will provide a coordinated response to large-scale incidents on I-95 and the Florida East Coast rail corridor. - State Road 16 – Phase 1
FY 25 State Appropriation: $7.5 million
The existing two-lane high-speed arterial will be widened to a four-lane divided highway from the International Golf Parkway to the I-95 interchange. To improve safety and mobility, the project prioritizes the construction of bike lanes, sidewalks, and medians to prevent illegal passing. - County Road 2209 – Central Segment Phase 2
FY 25 State Appropriation: $6.5 million
County Road 2209 is a strategically planned north-south corridor that enhances access to the St. Johns County interior and provides traffic relief to I-95 and US 1. This appropriation will initiate the construction of Phase 2 from International Golf Parkway to State Road 16. - South Ponte Vedra Beach Dune Restoration
FY 25 State Appropriation: $4.75 million
This appropriation matches $9.75 million in federal funds for a critical beach erosion project south of GTMRR beaches. Once complete, this engineered beach will provide durable protection of property, public infrastructure, and vulnerable ecosystems. The project also provides additional recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. - Lincolnville Museum
FY 25 State Appropriation: $225,000
This appropriation will be used to further the preservation of African American history and culture in St. Augustine. The project will install exterior security enhancements, such as lighting and security cameras, sound domes, and braille, to make exhibit content more accessible and inclusive.
The Board of County Commissioners, reflecting the community’s values, continues to prioritize the protection of natural resources and conservation of water and land. Tecler addressed funding opportunities that support the Board’s effort to preserve natural habitats and actively engage and educate residents about conservation efforts, encouraging community involvement.
During the update, Tecler mentioned the budget provides the County access to State conservation funds. “There is approximately $440 million in unexpended funds available for land acquisition through the Florida Forever Program, the State’s blueprint for conserving Florida’s natural and recreation lands, including those located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. In addition to funding the Florida Forever Program, the State’s budget makes available $200 million to protect Florida’s working agricultural lands and family farms, including up to $100 million in recurring funds for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The budget presents a significant funding opportunity for critical conservation projects in St. Johns County,” said Tecler.