County Releases 'Top 10' List Of Projects

The county has released a "top 10" list of projects it believes has the best shot at qualifying for some of the billions earmarked for President Obama's economic stimulus package.

The list, to be discussed at Tuesday's county commission meeting, includes $131.7 million worth of projects and includes construction of a new judicial center, the widening of major roadways and several utility projects.

County staffers continue to work on an alternate list, but this one appears to be the most viable and has the best shot at federal money, according to Country Administrator David Hamilton.

Hernando County, he said, is "prepared to take advantage of any opportunities that become available as the federal government deals with economic stimulus packages."

But submitting a wish list and getting approval are two different things.

One of the projects considered high on the priority list is the County Line Road widening. The reason: Pasco County has already indicated a joint partnership with Hernando that could lead to economic development.

For example, one of the guidelines to this stimulus money is projects be "shovel-ready" in 180 days. That means the permits are obtained, right of way acquired, environmental studies completed and other pre-construction finished so work can begin.

County Engineer Charles Mixson said the Deltona Boulevard and Sunshine Grove Road projects definitely qualify as shovel-ready. The County Line Road widening may be a bit more difficult, he said. However, it would not be impossible to make it so, especially with Pasco County's backing, he said.

The list includes the following:

•The Glen Wastewater Treatment Plant: $20 million

•Hexam Water Treatment Plant: $2.8 million

•Hexam Waste Treatment Plant Transmission System: $4 million

•Judicial Complex: $50 million

•Sunshine Grove Road Improvements (State Road 50 to Ken Austin Parkway): $8 million

•South Brooksville improvements (includes ditch drainage work, sewer-water lines, lighting and sidewalks): $2 million

•Southwest Airport Industrial Park: $5.7 million

•Air Traffic Control Tower: $2.7 million

•Deltona Boulevard Reconstruction (Spring Hill Drive to Forest Oaks): $16.5 million

•County Line Road: $20 million (East Road to Mariner Boulevard)

County commissioners will consider the projects at their business meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 North Main St. in downtown Brooksville.