Here are 11 Volusia, Flagler projects Gov. Ron DeSantis cut from state budget

Gov. Ron DeSantis excised $3 billion Thursday from the record budget approved by lawmakers in March, and Volusia and Flagler counties — where he once served as a congressman — weren't spared.

Budget-signing day is a good news/bad news scenario for the lawmakers who sponsored projects and the community institutions that requested funds. Some key projects survived DeSantis' veto pen, including $25 million for an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University research park building, $6.8 million for a new Flagler County parkway and $6 million for Daytona State College to construct a law enforcement training center at its DeLand campus.

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Here are 11 projects of note cut by DeSantis.

Volusia County Marine Science Center

Volusia County had proposed $1 million in improvements to its Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, specifically a Sea Turtle, Seabird and Manatee Education Building.

Florida Agricultural Museum

Flagler County's Florida Agricultural Museum accounted for two of the redlined line-items, totaling $6.5 million. The proposals included money for a welcome center and pioneer village where visitors could learn about agriculture of the past, present and future. "The ag center, we're a little disappointed about," Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins said Friday. "Certainly it will have its day and its purpose."

But Mullins said the county will be busy with two of the major projects that survived vetoes: $6.4 million for a septic-to-sewer conversion project on the barrier island, from State Road A1A to MalaCompra Road, and a new, $6.8 million road in Bunnell connecting State Road 100 to U.S. 1. Mullins said the road will spur projects including a government complex including a sheriff's station, Bunnell city offices and a library, in addition to space for industrial growth. "The city has been pushing that one for 12 years and couldn't get support," Mullins said. "We made a commitment that would be a focus."

Daytona State College

DSC had proposed establishing a pharmacy tech vocational program. College officials stated in their request that it was in response to community health leaders looking to "fill a gap in employment. Jobs in this area are expected to increase by over 15% over the next 8 years." Nearly $450,000 was cut.

Bethune-Cookman University

B-CU had requested $80,000 for a Bethune Center whose mission is to "promote the values exhibited by the life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in an effort to offer solutions to issues that plague our communities, nation and world." It would provide a space for research, exhibitions and performances with an aim of fostering civic engagement.

Daytona Beach Reuse Pump Station

Some $250,000 was cut from a plan to construct Pump Station 90, which is envisioned to distribute reclaimed water to areas of Daytona Beach that currently do not receive it. The city says the pump station would "make the reuse system more operational and effective, providing redundancy that will reduce discharge to the Halifax River."

Ormond Beach Reclaimed Water

A reclaimed water tank and transmission line in Ormond Beach were eliminated. The two projects totaled $850,000. They are designed to increase access to reclaimed water, reduce the need for potable water and reduce the discharge of wastewater effluent to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Spruce Creek dredging

Volusia County proposed the dredging of approximately 17,500 yards of sediment that has caused navigation through an existing railway bridge dangerous. The governor cut $545,000 in state funds for the project.

The sediment has caused other problems. Boaters have documented a stranded Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and other large marine life due to sediment and other materials plugging up the channel. County officials said the removal of muck will allow a natural flushing in and out of Strickland Bay.

Orange City Emergency Response Fire Station

Orange City, which uses an older mobile home on Harley Strickland Boulevard for a fire station, is looking to build anew and requested $500,000 in state funds for planning and design.

"We are very sad that the project was vetoed, but will work on developing a new strategy for funding facility development," City Manager Dale Arrington said in an email Friday. The mobile-home fire station "cannot be occupied during storm events requiring us to relocate station personnel to other stations during major storms," Arrington said. Also, it sits on land next to a city water plant that needs to be expanded.

Lake Helen City Hall

The 1916 Lake Helen City Hall has problems. The roof and windows leak and there's concern for mold. The city proposed replacing the roof and windows and got $180,000 in the state budget to cover costs. City officials say the replacements will secure the building and help the city save on electricity costs. DeSantis eliminated the funding.

New Smyrna Beach Woman's Club

This city-owned 1924 building's stabilization and restoration project has been under way, and New Smyrna Beach officials sought $500,000 to complete a second phase in order to use the facility for social events and public programs.

Daytona Beach Veterans Museum and Educational Center

A group of veterans and supporters are attempting to renovate the historic Cornelia Young Library in Daytona Beach for a Veterans Museum and Education Center. They requested $126,000 for the museum, which would house artifacts, photos and personal stories, be open five days a week and facilitate monthly meetings with presentations.

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This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeSantis vetoes funding for Volusia, Flagler museums, water projects