The top funding request is for improvements to Collins Street, including sidewalks and bike lanes.
Just in time for the holidays, Plant City Commissioners have sent their funding wish list to Tallahassee.
At the City Commission meeting Monday, Dec. 12, commissioners approved the 2017 legislative funding requests, totaling $6,175,000.
At $1,825,000, funding for improvements to Collins Street is the largest request. Funding would be used to redevelop Collins Street through Midtown and the commercial district. If approved, improvements would include two-lane travel lanes, parallel parking, sidewalks and bike lanes.
“The city manager (Mike Herr) looks at requests and items outside of city funding,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “Items are picked that would have the biggest impact in Plant City. Then, the requests are sent to the legislative body in Tallahassee.”
Collins Street improvements are a top priority, as the City of Plant City currently has bids out for the development of Midtown.
“That’s very, very important to us,” Lott said. “We’re hoping to get everything funded. That’s up to our elected officials in Tallahassee, but we have a great relationship with Tallahassee. We feel confident we’ll get support.”
In addition to the improvements at Collins Street, the City of Plant City also has requested the construction of a four-lane crossing over the CSX rail line at Lakeside Station Logistics Park, which currently houses Star Distribution Systems, Evergreen Packaging and other industrial companies. Construction would provide the site with access to U.S. Highway 92, which would be a key element in attracting further businesses to the 1,400-acre property.
Lakeside Station is set to undergo further development in 2017, including the relocation of QGS Development Inc. Currently located in Lithia, the development company will be building a 16,000-square-foot space in the new year in Lakeside Station.
The City of Plant City will be notified of Tallahassee’s decision by the end of April. The City will receive approved funding in October, when the fiscal year begins.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
