Until that figure drops, the county has decided not to apply for a federal grant that would have picked up 40 percent of the cost and financed the rest through a low-interest loan. Last June, amid considerable attention, the county and city agreed to pursue the grant, saying it would address common concerns about water quality. We don't feel comfortable submitting it at this time. One way of doing that, he said, is with additional grants. But obtaining money from any source could be a challenge given fears about a souring economy.
Money is tight everywhere.
City Manager David Sallee declared the effort dead, for now, in a letter to the City Council this week. That money might not be totally wasted if the project is revived in the next few years, he said. Indian Waters resident John Foley said he was not disappointed with the county's decision. St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.