GOVERNOR CRIST CONVENES AGENCY, ADMINISTRATION LEADERS TO BEGIN REVIEW OF FEDERAL STIMULUS DOLLARS

February 2, 2009

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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to strengthening Florida’s economy, today directed administration and agency leaders to begin reviewing the best use of federal stimulus dollars anticipated to be sent to Florida as part of Congress’ American Recovery Act.

“As the U.S. Congress considers the American Recovery Act, it is imperative that we stand ready to ultimately accept these federal dollars across state government,” said Governor Crist, who today held his first meeting with the Federal Stimulus Working Group. “My administration will be prepared to implement these funds once they are readily available.”

Governor Crist in recent weeks has outlined for President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders the education, transportation and health care funding needs of Florida and his desire to use federal stimulus dollars in those areas. The group the Governor announced today will identify Florida’s critical program and infrastructure needs and develop a plan for distributing federal stimulus money.

Governor Crist will lead the Federal Stimulus Working Group, which includes Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, along with Governor Crist’s Chief of Staff, Budget Director and Policy Director. The group also includes leaders from the following agencies, departments and offices:

o Agency for Health Care Administration
o Department of Children and Families
o Department of Community Affairs
o Department of Environmental Protection
o Department of Transportation
o Department of Education
o Department of Health
o Agency for Workforce Innovation
o Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget
o Governor’s Energy Office
o Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development
o State of Florida’s Washington, D.C. office

Agency leaders credited Governor Crist’s Accelerate Florida initiative, launched in August, with helping Florida stand well-prepared to put the federal stimulus dollars to use quickly. Through Accelerate Florida, Governor Crist directed agencies to speed up billions of dollars in approved construction and capital outlay projects through expedited approval and contracting.

“I think we’re seeing that Accelerate Florida proved to be a fortuitous move,” said Governor Crist. “My challenge to all of our agency heads is to move forward with thoughtfulness and due speed.”