Difficult economic times impact governments just as they do each citizen, and as we face tough times we all cut spending and pare our wish list down from the things that we want, to more of a list of what we need.

As residents we usually do not have the opportunity to ask someone else to help fund our wants or needs, but as a government we offer services that residents need and expect every day. We always have to reduce spending, prioritize needs, and be good stewards of public funds, and by establishing priorities and aggressively looking for grants we are able to offer important programs and services at a savings to residents and property owners.

Citizens often inquire about federal funding to offset costs of the various infrastructure improvements currently being completed by the city. Indeed, the city has taken the full opportunity to submit many grants within the past year to keep the costs of these improvements to a minimum, while enhancing the island for future generations.

Since 2004, the city has obtained $9.96 million dollars of grant money from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). To date the grants have allowed the city to enhance the storm water runoff system, provide water quality enrichments, increase the use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) wells, remove septic tanks, modify the drainage systems to improve water drainage, install reuse water force main lines, sewer collection system refurbishments, water storage tank improvements and the list goes on. In addition to this funding another $3 million has been promised for the septic tank replacement program (STRP). This money has been used to implement one of the most progressive improvement programs to the infrastructure on Marco Island.

The improvements have enhanced the quality of life, our landscape and our environment. Grant money used to accomplish these projects affords the city the opportunity to complete project they would not normally be able to fund on their own. In addition, grant dollars allow for projects to be scheduled earlier than planned without outside funding.

The State of Florida has been a great resource for citizens on Marco Island, not just through the Water Management Districts, but with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The FDOT has provided local agency program funding in excess of $500,000 in the past two years. These projects include: The bike path from Leland to San Marco Road, connecting the park to the YMCA, retrofitting the traffic lights mast arms with lighted street name signs, the pedestrian bike node at the corner of Spruce Avenue and Collier Boulevard and the citywide traffic signal system to aid in emergency operations. In addition to this funding, the city is currently working projects that have been authorized for reimbursement. These projects include: The streetscape improvements on North Collier Boulevard at Bald Eagle Drive and Elkcam Circle, landscaping improvements at various locations on South Collier Boulevard, and landscaping on Barfield Drive.

Often the budget cannot support both needs and wants, but with a little help from grants we can do more, and more can be accomplished.

Future funding includes the Safe Routes to School project, which includes a shared-use path that connects the YMCA to the schools. The connectivity between San Marco Road (a primary city thoroughfare) and Andalusia Terrace (at the entrance to Mackle Park) was part of an improvement plan for bike paths on Marco Island. While no money exists currently, this is a project that your city staff is working toward seeking funding opportunities by applying for FDOT transportation enhancement funding.

Times are tough and the city is continuing to look at ways to enhance Marco Island. We aggressively look for grant funds to match the dollars we spend. While that is not always possible we are thankful for our success in obtaining the necessary funds to provide services and infrastructure improvements for our island paradise.

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