Rep. Sansom promises “high priority” for U.S. 331 widening

State Rep. Ray Sansom told Walton County officials on Thursday the widening of U.S. Highway 331 was a high priority, but cooperation between county and state governments must come first.
"In the next couple of years my heart and soul will be to build a bond between state and county governments," he said. "We have our work cut out for us with a reduced budget of $3.2 billion this year, but 331 will remain a very high priority for us."
Walton County is currently working on, or has completed, several sections of the multi-lane project, but many sections, including the $400 million widening of the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge, have not been funded.
"We'd love for you to hand us a check right now, but we are more-so looking for a partnership," said Walton County Administrator Ronnie Bell.
Walton County Commission Chairman Larry Jones reiterated a unified effort for the project and reminded Sansom they would not been able to receive congressional funding without a local representative's backing.
Freeport Mayor J.M. Marse told Sansom that economic growth will not succeed without an efficient roadway.
"We have virtually stopped all growth," he said. "It's not cost effective for the government to cave in. We need some help."
DeFuniak Springs City Council member James Hoffman agreed.
"Economically, as far as development, everything comes to a T," he said. "We're trying to attract economic development in the area. This would add to it."
In addition to the widening issue, Walton Commissioners presented Sansom a letter of disapproval for two new bills in the Florida House and Senate.
House Bill 683 and Senate Bill 2148 both propose limits to county in-house projects such as road paving and building construction.
"I don't think they understand a small county like Walton with so many dirt roads," said Commissioner Sara Comander. "It's going to cripple us. How are we going to look at people and tell them they'll have a dirt road for 20-30 years longer?"
Lobbyist Kelly Horton said her goal was to get "dirt-to-pave" out of the bill before it progressed, but reminded commissioners it is still a long way from being passed.
"We've still got a lot of time to work on this bill," she said.