“This allows the County to move these important projects to completion faster,” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. “Doing this now makes financial sense.”
From the expansion of the Bradenton Area Convention Center, to adding world class facilities (like an Olympic-sized competition pool) to the Premier Sports Complex, renovations at Buffalo Creek Park and a new Parrish Community Park, these funds will bring residents some long-anticipated amenities.
Major infrastructure and transportation initiatives—like the expansion and widening of Moccasin Wallow Road, Upper Manatee River Road and 44th Avenue East—will be on a faster track to completion due to the funding.
“These are forever assets,” said Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who officially signed the loan documents September 12. “We are spending this money on important infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.”
“For too long, citizens of Manatee County have been forced to deal with severely inadequate infrastructure, lagging years behind our growth,” said District Seven Commissioner George Kruse. “Past financial practices and a lack of direction have resulted in overly cautious planning at the expense of our residents’ comfort. The current Board recognizes the economic and time benefits of municipal bonding, which will finally begin improving our County and its citizens’ quality of life.”
“We have been working on this for a while,” said District Five Commissioner Vanessa Baugh. “With the funding completed, we’re moving forward . . . with two millage reductions to boot.”
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
