POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Bay County Chamber Rolls Out 2021 Legislative Agenda by: Melissa Lupton, VP of Governmental Affairs, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the rollout of the 2021 Legislative Agenda. In addition to positions carried over, many new items have been added in support of Bay County and Panama City Long Term Recovery Plans. At the heart of this robust agenda are community development, education, infrastructure and policy initiatives to create a conducive environment for locally vibrant communities and economic prosperity.

Each position navigates through a three-step process, beginning with, and requiring approval from, the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and Executive Committee, with final approval coming from the Board of Directors. Once a position is approved and in place, the Chamber may take action.

This article will list local, state and federal chamber held positions and provide a brief description of each.

Panama City Marina Revitalization: Support development plans that include the following components essential for the welfare and continued growth of downtown Panama City:

Public access to the water to include boating and fishing

Public and private entertainment venues Adequate and attractive parking areas

Civic activity space

Connections to, and elements of, public art (to include memorials and history markers)

St. Joe Marina Hotel project

A “tourist draw” project (or an overall mix of ventures) that provides substantial economic benefit to Downtown Panama City. It is our desire that a project showcase and stimulate the Marina site, which will then benefit the entire area.

Panama City Convention Center: Support a new convention center in downtown Panama City.

Blight Acquisition and Redevelopment Program: Support expediting blight reduction strategies and redevelopment in Bay County and its municipalities.

Business Recovery Center/Central Reporting Center for Con-

tractors: Support the creation of a business recovery center and central center for contractors to report following a disaster. The Business Recovery Center will be a one-stop shop to provide local, state and federal resources and services tailored for businesses. The Central Center for Contractors will provide a place for all con-

tractors to report, register, learn laws and permitting processes, on both the state and local levels. Current status to include contractors survey and working with local governments.

Workforce Development High School Trades: Support opportunities for high school students to explore technical trade electives and provide exposure to careers and earnings available in professional technical fields.

Gulf Coast State College New Science (STEM) Building: Request legislative funding to replace the 60-year old Science Building at GCSC.

FSU-PC Engineering and area needs: Support legislative funding for the College of Engineering and expanding programs to meet area needs. Includes supporting military members and their families, and an addition of an applied engineering research facility.

Transportation Priorities: Projects listed below will provide transportation infrastructure required for Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, West Bay Sector Plan, Port of Panama City and its inland intermodal park, improve safety for hurricane evacuation, and facilitate successful economic growth in Bay County.

US 231, widen to 6 lanes from US 98 to Penny Road

SR 390, widen to 6 lanes from SR 77 to US 231

US 98/Panama City Beach Parkway (Back Beach Road), widen to 6 lanes between Mandy Lane and Hathaway Bridge

East Avenue and SR 389 (East Avenue) from Port (East Terminal) Entrance to Sherman Avenue widen to 4 lanes

S.R. 390: Widening to 6 lanes final process being designated SIS and compatible connections between port and intermodal facility.

Airport Economic Development: Supports creating an aerospace and aviation hub at NWFL Beaches Int’l Airport and legislative support for incentives, grant funding and financing tools to secure projects. Also supports the addition of an aviation center for excellence. Enterprise FL Inc./Visit FL: Support continued legislative funding for the state’s tourism and economic development arms to attract out of state and out of country visitors (Visit FL) and incentives for high-wage job creation and economic diversification (Enterprise FL).

Business Rent Tax: Request gradual elimination of this Florida only tax that businesses pay on commercial leases.

Workers Compensation: Support reforms for reasonable rates while ensuring injured workers receive quality medical care and transparent rate making with excess profits being returned to businesses. Watch how PEO develops.

Triumph Gulf Coast Inc.: Support the purpose of Triumph Gulf Coast and strongly oppose any move to divert funds elsewhere in the state (outside of the 8 affected counties).

Home Rule/Local Control: Recognize importance of home rule authority by local government and oppose efforts that seek to reduce or remove authority, preempted to state.

RESTORE Act/Gulf of Mexico Restoration: Support Bay County Board of Commissioners and State in obtaining and distributing settlement funds and Chamber comment/support for specific projects.

Estuary Program: Support legislative funding for a Northwest Florida Estuary Programs for St. Andrew/St. Joe Bays.

State Fisheries: Request FWC’s support for HR 3697: Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility on Fisheries Management Act; artificial reef system and creation of focus group to address dolphin/shark interaction with angling public. Mandatory venting is not supported, and common-sense approach when developing regulations.

Federal Fisheries: Request U.S. Senate to file companion bill to match components of HR 3697. Mandatory venting is not supported, and common-sense approach when developing regulations.

NSA-PC Enhanced Turning Basin: Support efforts for federal funding to deepen turning basin.

FEMA Flood Maps: Advocate that proposed changes in new flood maps are based on scientific/technical issues reflective of community characteristics and engineering improvements.

Panama City Crayfish: Favor 4(d) rule for habitat solutions as opposed to federal listing.