- April 18, 2024
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Mala compra basin received a check from the State. Photo by Jacque Estes
Florida State Sen. Travis Hutson and State Rep. Paul Renner presented a much-appreciated check, restoring funds to the Step Up program for adults with disabilities, on Friday, Aug. 2. Courtesy photo
The late Commissioner Frank Meeker was in everyone’s thoughts as Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Paul Renner presented an oversized ceremonial check to Flagler County Board of County Commissioners chair Barbara Revels, at Bings Landing on Friday, Aug. 5.
“I want to give a shout out to Frank Meeker and honor him as well, Renner said.
Hutson said what many were thinking, “This, without Frank, is a bittersweet day.”
The $300,000 check will be used in the 2016-17 fiscal budget by the State for the improvements and enhancement to the Mala Compra basin a storm water system.
“We are very pleased Flagler County will receive this funding,” Revels said. “This is a very important project that will directly and indirectly affect everyone on the barrier island. Hopefully we will not have standing water, and septic systems will be able to work better.”
Meeker, who represented District 2 where the Mala Compra basin is located, lobbied strongly for the funding. Hutson told the crowd gathered at Bings Landing, that Meeker felt so strongly about the project, he continue to lobby for it in Tallahassee even as his health was failing.
“He was our champion of this project with our legislative delegation,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “He worked very hard to get the funding included in this budget.”
State Lawmakers, Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Paul Renner, presented a ceremonial check for $535,892 to the Adults With Disabilities Program, on Friday morning.
The State Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott approved the restoration of funds for the Step Up program, the only program of its kind in Flagler County for adults with disabilities. The State budget restored the funding for the program to the 2014-15 levels. Despite this, there is still a waiting list of people in need in Flagler for these services.
Program participants greeted Hutson and Renner with a banner and handmade thank you cards.
The battle is won this year, but both lawmakers stressed the importance of keeping the pressure on in Tallahassee to find a permanent funding source for Step Up.
The Adults with Disabilities program is expected to move to a larger facility near Flagler Palm Coast High School later this year, which could make way for expanded services.
