Are We Efficiently Utilizing Grant Monies

It has often been stated that government is sometimes its own worst enemy. That can be true in regard to a lot of issues. The same can be true about bureaucracy, no matter where you find it, in the private sector as well as in government or even in our own personal lives. After all, we are only human, and will always be imperfect at best. 

Those of you that know me understand that I like to have a cup of coffee almost every morning and enjoy being around folks. You see, I like people and I like hearing what they have to say. It's not important that I agree with you, or you agree with me, but I do enjoy hearing your take on issues and listening to your opinions. I think if we took more time to listen, we might come up with some solutions and solve some of those issues bothering us the most or helping someone in need.

Last week a couple stopped me one morning and questioned me about what had happened at the city council meeting earlier last week. “Stef, what was the councilor referring to regarding the delays in getting projects done?” I told them I would be getting back to them. We shared a few other pleasantries and continued on our way. 

I was going to write my column about something entirely different this week but got to thinking about their question and what involvement I had over the years regarding those particular projects when I reported on them when they came before council. 

I recently read an article by a non-partisan group regarding a study they had done about delays in approving infrastructure projects a few years ago. These approval processes can take up to a decade or longer to obtain the necessary authorizations. Those projects being funded as part of their research could have cost approximately $1.7 trillion to accomplish but would end up costing $3.7 trillion due to prolonged inefficiencies and burdensome inefficiencies.

Of course, a lot of those delays can be attributed to those promoting themselves and their agendas by flailing away in front of cameras or in hearings, the purpose to promote themselves and fill rooms with hot air. I sometimes think we should apply the same limitations upon our political leaders as we do the public when they come forward to speak on issues. 

A review of the trillion-dollar stimulus package passed in 2008/2009 showed only 3.6% or $30 billion had been spent on infrastructure projects five years later in 2015. What a waste to have so much of it tied up in administrative, legal and overhead inefficiencies, leaving the potential for doing good in a stagnant pool of indifference.

As I look back on the mistakes made regarding the replacement of the aging and deficient building at Mackle Park, I am ashamed of those who delayed its replacement and how that delay cost us the building we needed for the community. By the time the doors opened on the new facility it was already undersized for the needs of the community, and that was a shame.

It is unfortunate that we have failed to learn the historical lessons regarding costs not being deliberate and focused when dealing with these infrastructure issues, costs that are directly attributed to delays and what the public didn’t get due to those delays and our inefficient processes.

I started to look through old articles and information regarding the two projects Councilor Brechnitz had questions about last week. He was correct in questioning those two projects, the first being the West Winterberry Bridge replacement. That was originally approved in 2021 and will unfortunately now cost taxpayers considerably more than the $3.7 million originally budgeted for it, due to inflationary costs regarding materials such as the cement and steel which will be utilized. You see, we were supposed to begin building that bridge in 2022 and now it appears it will be sometime in 2024, if then.

The second deals with monies received from the State of Florida for two projects dealing with two separate efforts regarding potential “tidal flushing projects.” Those projects were to help waters flow more efficiently from the southern canals which are separated from the northern canal area due to San Marco Road cutting the island in half. 

The rationale for that design of the island was spoken to in the book “The Last Paradise: The Building of Marco Island,” by Douglas Waitley. It is an interesting read and I think you can still pick up a copy to read at the Public Library here on the island.

During the recent water quality study by Dr. Harper there was a request to examine the potential that could be realized from improved flushing from tidal flows that is presently blocked by the roadway.

The first of those two projects was the San Marco Road Tide Leveling/Canal Flushing Improvement Project in 2020 which received a state grant of $425,000. The other project involved state monies amounting to $416,745 for a similar Canal Flushing Improvement Project on San Marco Road at South Seas Court. Both these projects involved city taxpayer dollars in addition to the State DOT Funding Grants.

It is unclear whether either of these two projects will result in the intended desires regarding the flushing effect being sought, but what is clear is the fact we must do a better job regarding our management skills.