St. Johns County could get more than $53 million from the Florida budget for things like first responders and transportation projects, St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold said during the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Legislative Update Breakfast.
As a speaker at the event, Arnold provided updates on the province’s legislative priorities.
Arnold handled recruitment, retention and long-term care for first responders, along with transportation projects designed to alleviate traffic congestion along I-95 and US 1.
According to Arnold, pending a signature by Gov. Ron DeSantis, $446 million will be allocated to the entire district, which includes St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Putnam counties. St. Johns County’s 2024 allocation was more than $53 million.
“Of that, $26 million is for public safety,” she said at the meeting.
Arnold highlighted the $11 million that would be allocated for infrastructure as a major victory and thanked Republican Senator Travis Hudson, Republican State Representative Cyndi Stevenson and Republican Congressman John Rutherford.
Arnold described State Road 16 as inadequate and said the money will be used to widen the “dangerous” roadway. County Road 2209 will use $10 million, and $7.5 million will be used for a regional fire training facility and unified command center.
“We have been very active in initiating and prioritizing new legislation for presumptive disability for our first responders regarding neurological deficits from chemicals that these first responders are exposed to during fires,” she said.
Arnold used the St. Augustine gas station explosion as an example to highlight the development of diseases including Parkinson’s disease and dementia – not just cancer – due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
Arnold also expressed her gratitude and excitement for West Augustine’s search for Florida’s first Museum of Black History.
“Next Tuesday we are going to the final task force meeting to bring home this absolutely incredible asset that I think will be great not only for our county but for the community of West Augustine,” she said.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner; St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes Kline; St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell; Shorty Robbins, legislative assistant to Rep. Cyndi Stevenson; and Craft Talbot, legislative assistant to Senator Travis Hutson, were also present at the meeting.
This article originally appeared on the St. Augustine Record: St. Johns has $53 million for local projects awaiting governor’s signature
