The West Pasco Board of Realtors submitted a proposal for a $500,000 project for the beautification of Highway US19 in New Port Richey earlier this year. Officials say that money has now been vetoed by Governor Rick Scott.
The plan originally called for landscaping using tropical plants, a name change, and signage to designate important areas along the route, presumably including areas like downtown New Port Richey. Armstrong’s plan was to use the state funds to beautify the medians and then to seek the cooperation of businesses along the road and stronger code requirements from the County and Cities to help maintain the medians going forward. That plan looks to be in jeopardy, even with recent pledges from the City of New Port Richey to help out.
New Port Richey officials said in a release Friday that they would continue to look for ways to progress with their own part of the project.
FDOT is currently working on a $72 million expansion of right-hand turn lanes along that corridor of US19. MAny business owners have complained about that construction and the effect it has had on their businesses. New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe successfully led a group of business owners in changing the flow of one intersection just south of the Cotee River bridge on US19.
Hunh!? I spoke to Greg Armstrong about a week ago and heard the $500K was approved. So did this veto take place between now and June 19? What a disappointment!
According to the City Manager’s weekly report, yes:
“As you have heard by now, the Governor has vetoed the $500,000 appropriation for
the US 19 beautification project that was proposed by the West Pasco Board of
Realtors. Although we will not receive any State budgeted appropriation, the City
has applied to the Florida Department of Transportation for grant funds to
landscape the medians. I will let you know when we receive word on the disposition
of the grant.”