Florida Governor Rick Scott vetoed $461 million earmarked for special projects in the state’s $78.6 billion budget, among them two of Miami Lakes’ capital improvement projects after two lawmakers secured funding to enhance the quality of life of residents living in the 6.5 square-mile municipality.
State Representatives Manny Diaz Jr. (R-Miami Lakes) and Jose Oliva (R-Miami Lakes) initially squeezed $11 million in the state’s tight budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, but Scott denied $800,000 of the funding for Miami Lakes’ Canal Stabilization Project Phase Two ($500,000) and Miami Lakes’ West Lakes drainage improvements called Phase B ($300,000).
Scott, however, allowed $300,000 the two lawmakers requested for drainage enhancements for Miami Lakes’ Lake Sarah drainage improvements project.
Had they been funded, the Canal Stabilization Project would have stabilized and completed the remaining portions of the Golden Glades/Peter Pike Canal that extends 7,000 feet and would protect over $36 million of taxpayers private property, and the West Lakes drainage improvements project was aimed at overhauling and retrofitting the drainage system to reduce flooding and property damage to nearly 3,000 residents in the southwestern portion of the town.
With Scott allowing the funding for Lake Sarah Drainage improvements, the town will use $300,000 to prevent structural damage to private property by increasing storm water management capacity and eliminate flooding in the southeastern portion of the town.
The funding for all three projects had been considered a serious priority by Miami Lakes residents and Town Council members Frank Mingo, Tony Lama, Nelson Rodriguez, Tim Daubert, Ceasar Mestre and Vice Mayor Manny Cid.
During the regular Legislative Session, council members traveled to Tallahassee for Miami-Dade Days and lobbied the state lawmakers for the funding for the capital improvement projects.
Diaz said he was disappointed the governor vetoed the projects for Miami Lakes.
“It is unfortunate that the Miami Lakes drainage and canal projects were included in the governor’s vetoes,” he said. " I look forward to continuing to fight for dollars for infrastructure that improves the quality of life for our community as we have done for the last there years. We will back on it in September.”
Cid said though he respects the governor’s line item veto authority, he wholeheartedly disagrees with his decision to veto the two Miami Lakes projects.
“The two projects vetoed are NOT budget turkey's, they are vital infrastructure improvements championed by our Miami Lakes legislative delegation,” Cid said. “On behalf of all 31,000 residents, I would like to thank State Senator Rene Garcia and Representatives Manny Diaz Jr. and Jose Oliva. These three gentlemen are tireless advocates for our community.”