BUNNELL -- County commissioners Monday
unanimously passed a resolution to support the reintroduction of Amtrak
passenger rail service between Jacksonville and Miami, despite one
commissioner's reservations.
"I think this is a waste of public money," said Commissioner Alan Peterson.
He
didn't oppose the resolution that offers up local support for a state
project that would be completed using federal stimulus funds. But he
said his experiences in northern U.S. states led him to worry that
reintroducing the rail service could bring more problems than benefits.
Peterson also said he couldn't envision the service being a moneymaker
for rail officials.
"I fail to see how they're going to get much
business running from Jacksonville to Miami," Peterson said, adding
that service between Jacksonville and Orlando might be more worthwhile.
He
also pointed out that no boarding stations are planned between Daytona
Beach and Jacksonville in the railway proposal so the service would be
"of limited value" to residents in Flagler County.
In other business at the meeting:
·
Commissioners approved a new contract for bulk fuel purchases for
county fleet vehicles. The contract will be signed in conjunction with
Volusia County Council, Volusia County School Board, Votran, South
Daytona, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange.
County Administrator
Craig Coffey said the newly negotiated fuel and delivery rates will
save taxpayers greatly in the coming years. Fuel prices are calculated
daily under the agreement, using a published daily fuel price index.
The contract that commissioners approved is for one year with the
ability to renew the contract each year for the next four years.
·
The commission accepted a $76,000 federal stimulus grant to purchase a
new wheelchair-accessible bus for the county's public transportation
system.
· Commissioners also accepted two grants from the Florida
Department of Transportation. The first grant -- $680,000 -- will allow
officials to install new sidewalks and complete partial sidewalks along
State Road 100 between Belle Terre Parkway and Bulldog Drive. The work
will enhance safety for pedestrians and students at Flagler Palm Coast
High School, Coffey said.
The second grant -- $1 million -- will
pay for the design and construction of a new turn lane and traffic
signal at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Royal Palms Parkway.
·
Commissioners approved the purchase of 97 acres of land at Sweetbottom
Plantation along Bulow Creek for $2.5 million in a divided vote. The
approved purchase is nearly $900,000 more than the most recent
appraisal done on the property. Peterson and Commission Chairwoman
Milissa Holland voted against the land buy, saying the difference
between the seller's bottom line and the assessed value of the property
was simply too great.
heather.scofield@news-jrnl.com