Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that he would award $10.4 million to projects that help Sarasota withstand the impacts of climate changes and address other environmental concerns.
One of these projects will see Van Wezel Way being raised by the city. This road leads to the iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts HallTo prepare it for future sea-level rise.
In order to maintain the state’s vitality, we must focus on infrastructure improvements, DeSantis stated in a ceremony at the performing art hall with Sarasota Bay as a backdrop.
The announcement highlighted the award of a federal grant to Sarasota for various projects related to The Bay Park on Sarasota Bay.
Background:When completed, the Bay Park will be the main feature of Sarasota.
The Bay ParkUnder the new agreement, it will cost millions less than before and be completed five more years earlier.
The city and the Bay Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization, plan to transform 53 acres of Sarasota’s bayfront into an urban oasis. The park, currently under construction, will include an open lawn, a walkable mangrove Bayou, and a circular sunset boardwalk above Sarasota Bay.
The city plans to tear down Van Wezel and rebuild it with a new performing art center. This will be part of The Bay Park. This number was calculated using future sea rise projections.
I don’t know if Van Wezel Way has ever been driven during a flood, City Manager Marlon Cleveland said.
The city plans to also use the state-awarded grant for Hog Creek restoration, which is a stream at northern end of Bay Park.
Stormwater improvements will be made and native plants will be added to the creek that flows into the bay. These plants will reduce pollution in the water and are intended to counter red tide, which is caused by nutrients such as nitrogen in runoff.
According to the governor, the grant will also be used for improving the shoreline at The Bay Park. According to Jan Thornburg, a city spokeswoman, the improvements will protect The Bay Park from flooding, storms, and erosion.
Mayor Erik Arroyo explained that the grant means the state is supporting Sarasotas vision of stronger environmental resilience.
It ensures that future generations can enjoy the Bay Park that they created, and it allows us to adapt our city to climate changes, he said.
The grant money comes through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USDOHUD) program. The federal money is given to the state of Florida.
DeSantis stated that the grant will have a significant effect on the city’s infrastructure. I believe the city will make good use the funds.
DeSantis is just beginning an election year. His announcement in Sarasota was a way for him boost his image on environmental issues in an area where the environment is a key part of peoples’ quality of life.
The governor’s budget proposal, fiscal year 2022-223, includes over$550 million to improve the resilience of Florida’s coastal communities and inland towns.
Anne Snabes is the Herald-Tribune’s reporter on county and city government. You can reach her at [email protected] (941) 228-3311) or on Twitter at @a_snabes.
