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Governor Ron DeSantis has exercised his veto power to eliminate several key projects that were slated for Brevard County from the FY 2024-25 state budget. These projects, aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure and environment, were filed by local legislators. The vetos did not come with explanation from the Governor’s office.

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List of Vetoed Projects and Their Legislators:

1. Brevard County Eau Gallie NE Environmental Dredging and Interstitial Water Treatment
   • Purpose: This project aimed to enhance environmental quality by dredging and treating interstitial waters in the Eau Gallie area.
   • Filed by: Rep. Thad Altman and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
   • Vetoed Amount: $1,500,000
2. Brevard County Indian River Lagoon Quick Connects to Sewer
   • Purpose: Intended to provide quick sewer connections to reduce pollution in the Indian River Lagoon.
   • Filed by: Rep. Thad Altman and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
   • Vetoed Amount: $450,000
3. Brevard County Merritt Island Canal Dredging
   • Purpose: Aimed at improving water flow and reducing flooding risks by dredging the Merritt Island canals.
   • Filed by: Rep. Tyler Sirois
   • Vetoed Amount: $1,500,000
4. Brevard County Merritt Island Lift Stations Replacement
   • Purpose: To replace outdated lift stations, ensuring more reliable sewage management.
   • Filed by: Rep. Tyler Sirois and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
   • Vetoed Amount: $1,000,000
5. Brevard County Merritt Island Sewer and Manhole Lining Phase 2
   • Purpose: To line sewers and manholes, preventing leaks and contamination.
   • Filed by: Rep. Thad Altman and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
   • Vetoed Amount: $1,000,000
6. Brevard County Port St John Regional Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2
   • Purpose: To upgrade the wastewater treatment plant, enhancing its capacity and efficiency.
   • Filed by: Sen. Tom Wright
   • Vetoed Amount: $1,250,000
7. Cocoa Beach Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation
   • Purpose: To rehabilitate gravity sewers in Cocoa Beach, preventing overflows and environmental damage.
   • Filed by: Rep. Tyler Sirois and Sen. Tom Wright
   • Vetoed Amount: $1,000,000
8. Cocoa City Septic to Sewer Conversion for 88 Homes
   • Purpose: To convert 88 homes from septic to sewer systems, reducing environmental hazards.
   • Filed by: Rep. Thad Altman and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
   • Vetoed Amount: $4,000,000
9. Melbourne Lead and Copper Service Line Replacement
   • Purpose: To replace old lead and copper service lines, ensuring safer drinking water.
   • Filed by: Rep. Thad Altman and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
   • Vetoed Amount: $250,000
10. Satellite Beach – Grand Canal and Finger Canals Muck Dredging
    • Purpose: To dredge muck from the Grand Canal and finger canals in Satellite Beach, improving water quality.
    • Filed by: Rep. Tyler Sirois and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
    • Vetoed Amount: $3,000,000
11. Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1
    • Purpose: To advance water treatment facilities in Rockledge, ensuring cleaner and safer water.
    • Filed by: Rep. Thad Altman and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
    • Vetoed Amount: $2,500,000
12. Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center Renovation
    • Purpose: To renovate the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center, providing improved community facilities.
    • Filed by: Rep. Tyler Sirois and Sen. Debbie Mayfield
    • Vetoed Amount: $1,750,000

Other Major Vetoes Affecting Brevard County:

1. Ellis Road Widening Project Pre-construction Activities
   • Purpose: This project was intended to improve traffic flow and safety by widening Ellis Road.
   • Filed by: Rep. Randy Fine
   • Vetoed Amount: $4,230,568
2. Brevard County SW Public Safety Complex and Emergency Operations Center
   • Purpose: To enhance emergency response capabilities with a new public safety complex.
   • Filed by: Rep. Tyler Sirois
   • Vetoed Amount: $588,000

Statewide Implications of Vetoes:

Governor DeSantis signed a $116.5 billion state budget but vetoed $510.9 million in local projects. The vetoes included significant cuts to environmental and conservation initiatives, as well as educational programs.

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