On June 2, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the roughly $112 billion State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget, confirming the funding for projects totaling nearly $8 Million to benefit Okaloosa County.
Approved projects include:
• $2 million for a US 98 Bridge-to-Bridge Multi-Use Path from West Okaloosa Island to Destin
• $750,000 for Overbrook Area Stormwater Improvements;
• $300,000 for Cinco Bayou Glenwood Park Water Quality Improvement;
• $3 million for County Road 2 Road Safety and Upgrades to Big Horse Creek and Yellow River Bridges
• $1.5 million for Niceville College Boulevard Multi-Use Pathway
• $350,000 for the continued support of the Pretrial Mental Health Diversion Program.
“The County is thankful for the hard work and advocacy of our Legislative Delegates including Senators Doug Broxson and George Gainer and Representatives Patt Maney and Jayer.
Williamson,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mel Ponder.
Two County projects were vetoed, including $1.5 million for a Florosa Water Storage Tank and funding for US 90 at Jericho Road Improvements within the Shoal River Ranch Gigasite for $1 million. An alternate funding source for the Florosa tank will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners in July, as part of the upcoming 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Though the US 90 and Jericho Road Improvements were not approved as part of the State’s annual budget process, DeSantis awarded $3.2 million to Okaloosa County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand infrastructure, including roads, at the Shoal River Ranch Gigasite.
