Sen. Bill Nelson was in the area a few weeks ago and held a town hall meeting in Orange Park.  Unfortunately, I was not able to attend, but did read in the local press something that floored me.  With all of the wailing and gnashing of teeth about transportation issues in Clay County, and the dire need for money to fund transportation solutions, no one from our local governments, county or cities, has thought to ask the Federal government for financial assistance.  A concerned citizen asked Sen. Nelson why Clay County was not receiving funds for transportation and he reponded that he had not received a request for money.  Really?!?I'm curious as to #1 - why hasn't anyone made such a request? #2 exactly who in our county government dropped this ball?

What person, or group of people, is responsible for turning every stone possible to find available funds?  Is it the County Manager?  The Board of County Commissioners?  The Transportation Committee of the BCC?  The Planning Department?  I don't know the answer, and apparently it is a tough question to answer.

Seriously, I was shocked to hear that with the Outer Beltway needing funding, hurricane evacuation routes needing to be improved, good ol' relief from traffic congestion a major concern, that some entity within the county would be all over something like this.  Basically, Sen. Nelson was saying there is money available, but someone has to ask for it.

Any ideas who that someone should be?  I'll be glad to volunteer to write the letter if necessary.