Bilirakis Secures Over $20 Million in Federal Funding for Local Projects

Washington, DC:  In keeping with his long-standing tradition of providing exceptional constituent service, Congressman Gus Bilirakis has worked tirelessly throughout the past year to ensure that his community received its fair share of federally allocated funds.  In total, 12 of the 15 priority project proposals submitted by Congressman Gus Bilirakis this year have just been approved. These projects will bring a total $20,275,000 in federal funding to the Tampa Bay area.   Each of the selected projects address substantial unmet needs within Florida's 12^th Congressional District, including:

• $2 million to help prevent flooding in north Pinellas and south Pasco counties through stormwater and roadway improvements,
• $3 million for Moffitt’s Pasco County Expansion to build the Research and Life Science Facility that will serve as a regional hub for the delivery of high-quality healthcare, cancer research, education, and biotech business development.
• $800,000 for the Pasco County Alliance for Healthy Communities Substance Use Prevention Program to provide coordinated behavioral health services in an effort to combat the overdose crisis occurring throughout the community.  In 2021, Pasco had a record high of 1,526 overdoses.
• $500,000 to support more than 300 at-risk middle and high school aged girls in Pasco and Hernando counties enrolled in the PACE Center for Girls program achieve long-term socio-economic independence by graduating from high school, entering higher education, attaining certification training, and gaining employment skills,
• $2.5 million to build a one-stop-shop senior center in Pasco County operated by CARES.  The services provided through the center will help improve the quality of life and maintain independence for many of the most frail and vulnerable seniors within the community,
• $2 million for the Craig Park/Spring Bayou Seawall Repair in Tarpon Springs.   These funds would be used to replace deteriorating historic seawalls and waterfront sidewalk, raising them to address sea level rise. Tarpon Springs is the lowest city land area in Pinellas County and is the greatest at risk to flooding. The sidewalks and City dock on Spring Bayou are frequently underwater which has caused structural problems. Access to the scenic Spring Bayou area is often barricaded to pedestrian access.
• $1.27 million for to build new units of housing at the Vincent House for those struggling with mental illness,
• $2 million for the Pasco Sheriff’s Department to upgrade technology at its regional Center for the Recovery of Missing Persons,
• $2.4 million to install ADA-compliant bus stops along Moon Lake Road in West Pasco,
• $600k for the Lighthouse for Visually impaired to assist older adults in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus, counties by empowering these adults with disabilities to live more independently in their home and communities with a focus on improved mental health,
• $2 million for renovation of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit operated by Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services,
• $1.225 million for a school readiness and early literacy program operated by the Pinellas County Education Foundation

“While I am no proponent of big government spending, I have a duty to ensure my community receives its fair share of allocated federal resources and to be transparent about my efforts to prioritize these important projects.  Each of these good projects will help strengthen our local infrastructure, benefit our community, and assist local residents, " said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

To learn more about these approved projects, click here.  If Congress allows future community projects to be considered, Congressman Bilirakis will share application details on his website.