Wellington recently lost a $650,000 state appropriation due to a veto by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but local officials say they will find other ways to fund modernizing pump stations in the village.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers approved a $650,000 appropriation for Wellington’s Stormwater Pump Station Improvements Project.
The appropriation was one of many budget line items approved by the legislature for various local improvement projects.
The Wellington project aims to modernize four critical stormwater pumps in the northern half of the village. The pumps move rainwater through canals during severe storms and protect properties in the area. Village officials explained that upgrading the pumps will improve reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Local leaders have already committed about $2.45 million in local funding for the $3.1 million project and hoped to cover the remaining balance with state funds. However, DeSantis vetoed the item as part of $810 million in line-item vetoes on dozens of projects across the state that lawmakers approved, including the appropriation for the Stormwater Pump Station Improvements Project.
However, Wellington did receive another appropriation to help extend water and sewer service to areas without those utilities.
“Wellington was not singled out,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “Hundreds of worthwhile projects, including stormwater improvements, transportation projects, public safety facilities, parks, educational initiatives and water infrastructure across the state were vetoed during this process. Wellington’s project was one of many local infrastructure requests affected.”
State Rep. Anne Gerwig (R-District 93) said state lawmakers were prioritizing reducing government spending to provide tax relief, which left less money available for appropriations.
“It was a tough year up there for funding,” she said. “We just have to go back and try again.”
Wellington officials will still try to find other ways to fund the pump station improvements. The village could use local capital funds, pursue grants or request another appropriation during the next legislative session.
Barnes added that Wellington remains committed to investing in critical infrastructure. The appropriation was meant to fund a portion of the project and act as a partnership with the state to accelerate improvements for flood control, he said.
“While we were disappointed that the appropriation was vetoed, we respect the governor’s constitutional authority in the budget process,” Barnes explained. “Our focus now is on continuing the project through a combination of local investment and future grant opportunities, so that Wellington residents continue to receive the level of flood protection and infrastructure reliability they expect.”
Gerwig, too, is looking to continue efforts to secure funding and appropriations to support infrastructure projects in Palm Beach County next legislative session.
“I’ll keep going and try again next year,” Gerwig said. “It’s always going to be a concern, making sure that the major systems of our community work well, and whether it’s done through a grant program or appropriations — either way that I can help — I certainly will do that because it’s important that our pumps work properly.”
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Wellington Will Continue Stormwater Upgrades Despite Veto – Town-Crier Newspaper
