West Augustine medical center project to get $5 million in federal aid
With $5 million headed to the project, plans are advancing to build a medical center in West Augustine.
"We are preparing to move forward with the engineering portion of the project, and (the funding) just gave us a green light to go full throttle," said Greg White, a community advocate and project leader.
St. Johns County commissioners voted this week to approve the second round of spending from the county's allocation from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, which Congress passed to help the country recover from the effects of COVID-19. Included in the county's spending is $5 million for the proposed medical center at 955 West King St.
A grant program will be drawn up and presented to the Commission to finalize the funding, which will take at least a month or two, County Administrator Hunter Conrad said.
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The clinic is expected to cost about $8.3 million, and officials are still raising funds, White said. An opening date has not been set.
Community advocates, residents and government officials have made strides over the years to reduce crime, increase business development and provide adequate infrastructure and services for West Augustine residents.
The Wildflower Healthcare clinic, a nonprofit service, has been providing free medical and dental care in West Augustine for years for people in financial need. It's at 268 Herbert St.
White said the new medical center, which will probably be 14,000 to 18,000 square feet, would provide a range of services, including traditional medical care, a wellness area and mental health services, among other things. Officials would also like to provide a pharmacy, vision care and possibly dental services. The center will serve people with and without insurance, he said.
White said project officials are in negotiations with a few potential providers.
West Augustine resident Dwala Willis spoke to the Commission in support of the medical center funding, saying she came to advocate for other West Augustine residents.
"I think it's time for them to see the fruits of their labor. My mother, who is 86 years old, doesn't have a local facility to go to. I have to drive and take her places that she needs to go, which I humbly do. But there are other people in this community of West Augustine that can use the assistance of this (American Rescue Plan) money. ... It's going to totally change the trajectory of our community," she said.
St. Johns County expected to receive $51.3 million in federal aid
The county is expected to receive $51.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, Conrad said. The funds have to be planned by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.
The county has chosen to plan its spending in phases, and commissioners took up the second phase on Tuesday. More projects will be brought to the Commission in the future.
County commissioners allocated $7 million for Hastings water and wastewater infrastructure, $1 million to increase pay for public safety officials related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and $500,000 for the county's Exterior Improvement Grant Program.
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The county plans to discuss on April 5 whether to spend $2.8 million of the funds to help Home Again St. Johns, a nonprofit that moved from its former site because of a county project, open in a suitable location where it can fully operate. The nonprofit serves people who are homeless.
Funds allocated in the first phase of American Rescue Plan Act spending: $1.79 million for the county's COVID-19 vaccination site, which is now closed; $388,500 on COVID-19 mitigation and prevention, $525,000 for the Exterior Improvement Grant Program, $3.67 million for parks, public plazas and recreation; and $2.47 million for increased pay for public safety officials related to the pandemic, Conrad said.
Some parks projects are still being planned, he said.
The Exterior Improvement Grant Program allows small businesses and nonprofits to receive a one-time grant of up to $49,500 to improve their outdoor space in a way that helps mitigate COVID-19 risks, such as installing or expanding a patio. They can also use the funds to "improve the built environment of the neighborhood," such as upgrading the business façade, according to the county's American Rescue Plan Act website. There is a waiting list of small businesses that want to participate, Conrad said.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: West Augustine medical center plan to get $5M from American Rescue Plan
