The goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was to help save jobs and benefit the local communities. Here in Key West and throughout the Florida Keys we have seen the benefits from the program. In the Keys a total of 15.5 million dollars is being used to do things such as pay teachers, hire law enforcement officers and fix roads. As a result, it is estimated 87,000 jobs were saved or created.

In Key West, you will see improvements throughout the island. One of the biggest projects is $8.6 million in federal stimulus money being used for sidewalk improvements, storm water gravity wells and upgrades to waste water treatment. Several of the intersections in Key West were not wheelchair-accessible. The city can now bring these sidewalks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The stimulus money will allow Key West to install 24 new gravity wells to accommodate storm runoff. This will make a big difference in alleviating flooding that has been an issue in some neighborhoods. Indigenous Park on White Street is receiving parking lot repairs and will have a new storm water pump station installed as part of the stimulus package.

Other smaller projects receiving grants are the Key West Police Department and street repairs. The police department will be able to hire four new officers and pay them for three years with a grant of $812,000. $418,000 of federal money has also been set aside for the repaving of portions of United Street.

These projects will enhance the quality of life here in Key West! It is always nice to see your tax dollars at work in your community! When you are ready to move to the island, call Margarita Villoch! There is no life like the island life in Key West!