Manatee BOCC Issues 2016 State Legislative Platform

Nicholas Azzara, Information Outreach Manager, said "This year it's a short list." Azzara said the 20 item-long list wasn't getting it done. "Legislators only have a little time to go over these things, so we kept it short."

Manatee County Funding Request:

1. Manatee and Sarasota County governments are creating the Suncoast Regional Communication System (P25Radio), a regional public safety radio network that has potential to serve a regional area. The two counties are requesting a total of $4 million ($2 million for each county) to off-set the total project cost of $28.4 million.

2. Manatee County requests $225,000 in state funds for FY 2016-17 for the Longboat Pass Jetty Reconstruction design and permitting phases and $175,000 for the Passage Key Inlet Management Plan. Additionally, Manatee County and the Town of Longboat Key request $3,328,587 in state funds through a joint funding application for Longboat Pass Inlet Management.

3. Transportation Manatee County supports the restoration and protection of the State Transportation Trust Fund to allow its full funding to be used for transportation-related projects only. Manatee also supports the Sarasota-Manatee MPO’s Complete Street initiative to reconstruct 15th Street East/301Blvd. from Tallevast Road to U.S.41. The project is a key driver in improving the overall economic health and vitality of one of Manatee’s urban corridors.

4. The Lake Manatee water supply and water quality project will increase the stream to Lake Manatee, improving water quality in the reservoir and the Manatee River by retaining surface water. Manatee County requests $276,000 in state funding to start Phase II of the project.

Manatee County Position Statements:

1. Manatee County has serious concerns about legislation that would require local governments to use local taxpayer dollars to pay for the relocation costs of private utilities located within county-owned right-of-way when they must be moved to accommodate a county project.

2. A dangerous dog statute. In order to allow a more humane interpretation of state statutes that govern dog bites, Manatee County supports H.B. 91 that would amend F.S. 767.12 to allow a reviewing judicial officer to consider a dog’s motive.

3. Manatee County Mental Health Services supports efforts to increase supportive housing, employment and education initiatives for people with mental health or substance abuse issues.

4. Port Manatee Manatee County supports the legislative priorities of Port Manatee, particularly the request for Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grant funding for dock and berth rehabilitation/repair and Port infrastructure improvements.

5. Manatee County supports aquaculture initiatives that would help provide information, research and support for Manatee County's aquaculture industry to include hatchery facilities at the port.