Putnam appropriations announced

PALATKA – Florida State Representative Bobby Payne and Senator Keith Perry, the Putnam County Legislative Delegation, secured $2,390,232 in appropriations directly for Putnam County Projects during the 2018 Legislative Session.  The funding allocations are part of HB 5001, the 2018-19 General Appropriations Act, a balanced state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, signed by Governor Scott on Friday, March 16, 2018.

Representative Payne sponsored the following bills:

HB3297 – $850,000 – East Palatka Fire Station Water Expansion.  These funds will be used to extend the Putnam County water lines to the new Fire Station in East Palatka.  This will provide a potable water source to the new fire station and surrounding residential sites.  During last year’s budget cycle, Putnam County received $1 million to build the new Fire Station in East Palatka.  Putnam County Board of County Commissioners is currently working on this project.

HB3295 – $790,232 – Communications Equipment Upgrade. These funds will upgrade the Putnam Safety Radio System, by procuring new dispatch consoles and integration services.

HB3271 – $250,000 – Putnam County School District Advanced Manufacturing.  These funds will assist in preparing with technical and vocational skills for local industry jobs.  The funds are to purchase equipment and to renovate existing rooms.

Additionally, $500,000 was included in the Department of Economic Opportunity’s budget for the Putnam County Animal Shelter.  These funds will replace an inadequate facility and will include spay and neutering and adoptions areas, all under one roof.

The funds will be available at the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1, 2018.