N-j 12-16-08

December 16, 2008 Flagler focuses on road projects By HEATHER SCOFIELD Staff Writer BUNNELL -- Local road projects topped the Flagler County commissioners' list of legislative priorities set at Monday's meeting. County staff recommended commissioners make opposition to unfunded mandates as their highest priority this year, but the group decided it would be redundant. "(Fighting mandates) is a given, and I'm not sure it needs to top our list," Commissioner Barbara Revels said. Fellow board members concurred, saying the sentiment should be a preamble to their more specific requests. This, despite County Administrator Craig Coffey's reminder that state officials are facing serious budget cuts and revenue shortfalls in 2009 that could lead to millions in responsibilities put on local leaders' heads "overnight." The commission took the 16-item list recommended by county staff and pared it down to just four. "The delegation tells us every year that fewer priorities are better," said Milissa Holland, chairwoman. "It's better to get one or two (items) done than none done because there are so many." They're asking elected state representatives ensure funding levels are maintained for the Florida Department of Transportation's Five Year Work Program. Specifically, commissioners want help with three road projects in Flagler County they considered to be matters of public safety. The first is completion of widening the deteriorating roadway on County Road 305 in western Flagler County and replacing the remaining six bridges they're lacking the funding to do. Coffey estimates the bridges alone will cost officials $15 million to complete. Commissioners also are requesting funding to complete a new interchange that would provide access to Interstate 95 at Matanzas Woods Parkway. And they'd like to see work done on Palm Coast Parkway in Palm Coast between Boulder Rock and Old Kings roads. Commissioner Allen Peterson said the major artery for the growing city is "close to failing."

Second on the priority list is a request for more help to restore and preserve the shoreline in Flagler Beach. Officials have been working for years to keep the local beaches intact, regularly fighting difficult battles against the often-merciless fury of Mother Nature. The elected officials said they hope the last two items on their list will be easy for delegates to make happen for Flagler residents because no price tag is associated, thereby increasing the chances they'll get what they need. They ended their annual wish list with a request that delegates fight this year to maintain funding levels for state Medicaid and substance-abuse programs. "Deputies that are untrained (in issues of mental health and substance abuse) are jailing people that belong in a treatment center," said Commissioner George Hanns, who also is a member of the county's Public Safety Coordinating Council. Local officials say funding shortfalls and subsequent decline in available services is contributing to the problem. And the commissioners' last request is for the state Department of Agriculture to either pony up the cash to operate the Florida Museum of Agriculture in Palm Coast, or turn the museum over to local governments. The county, Flagler County School Board and Palm Coast have all signed agreements arranging the funding, operation and goals for the museum should the request be granted.