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File photo of Palatka City Hall.
The Palatka City Commission will meet 3 p.m. Friday to talk about goals for the city’s future and projects funded within the American Rescue Plan Act.
Palatka received more than $20 million for the 2022-2023 year from the state to benefit city improvements, which city officials set aside for eight improvement projects, according to meeting agenda documents. The commission and meeting attendees can expect to hear an update on these projects, as well as a presentation about the city’s Economic Development Plan, which was put together by the Northeast Florida Regional Council.
Ongoing projects
Of the city’s eight projects with designated funding, two of those are specifically working toward improving Palatka’s potable water, city documents show.
According to city records, $7 million in appropriations funding will help replace the city’s failing water lines. Since 2014, city documents state, 13 of 66 miles of failing water lines have been replaced and 12 miles are funded for future replacement.
An additional $6 million will reportedly go toward extending potable infrastructure and adding fire hydrants in unincorporated areas.
Documents from the upcoming meeting show $5 million will be used to improve the city’s sewer lining, $2.47 million will benefit septic-to-sewer conversions and $2 million is going to be used to increase the availability of affordable housing.
A total of $265,925 has been set aside from appropriations to fund upgrades and expansion to the Palatka Gas Authority, according to the city agenda.
Other safety concerns have not been left out of the conversation.
Improvements to the boardwalk trail connector, which helps cyclists and pedestrians safely cross Hwy 17 and State Road 100, received $1,258,939.
“The city is currently performing emergency repairs as a stop-gap measure while seeking the necessary funding to reconstruct the decking and railings to ensure public safety,” city officials stated in the meeting agenda.
The second phase of improving cycling and pedestrian safety in the city has received $2.5 million. This second plase includes resurfacing St. Johns Avenue from the 400 block to the 1100 block, according to the city.
“Phase I is now complete and included installing brick at each intersection for traffic calming and pedestrian safety as well as ADA-compliant curbing,” city officials stated in the released agenda.
Preparing for the future
While work continues in Palatka, city officials are still looking to prepare for a growing future.
According to a presentation from the regional council, Palatka experienced a “small decline” in population growth from 2010-2020. However, population growth increased from 2016 to 2021 when 543 new water accounts were established. In addition, 350 new housing units are in development, the council stated.
“These trends suggest that after years of minimal growth, growth and change are coming to Palatka,” the city’s economic development plan presentation states.
Within this presentation, the regional council suggested nine goals for Palatka.
Address blighted city properties
Continue to support development in the downtown area
Work to improve public safety, including improved communication between the Palatka Police Department and residents and encouraging crime prevention
Improve access to affordable housing
Implement a business incubator study to help residents who want to start a small business
Explore the possibility of increasing the use of the Palatka Municipal Airport
Improve broadband internet access for residents
Continue to explore a joint planning area with Putnam County officials to expand urban services
Examine city policies and how they impact local business
The city commission, following the strategic plan and project updates, will discuss projects within the American Rescue Plan Act, which was part of the federal government’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief program that dispersed funds nationwide.