“These Are Practical Investments that Improve Safety, Create Opportunity and Protect Our Quality of Life.”
Funding Supports Veterans, Infrastructure, Small Businesses, Cancer Research, Water Quality and More
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that he has secured $22,550,550 in Community Project Funding for critical infrastructure, economic development, public safety, veterans services and health initiatives across Florida’s 16th Congressional District.
“I’m proud to have secured more than $22.5 million for Florida’s 16th District is about delivering for the people who live and work here,” said Buchanan. “This funding supports veterans, strengthens infrastructure, protects our water resources and advances lifesaving medical research. These are practical investments that improve safety, create opportunity and protect our quality of life. These projects will make a real difference for families across our community and strengthen our future for years to come.”
The funding, included in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations packages, will support projects that strengthen transportation networks, improve water quality and storm resiliency, expand cancer research and support small businesses.
- University of South Florida Center for Entrepreneurship ($3,000,000): Establishes a state-of-the-art entrepreneurship center on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to support students, startups and small businesses.
- Gateway Greenway Rails to Trails ($1,500,000): Advances design and construction of trail segments connecting Palmetto to Parrish, improving recreation and mobility.
- Manatee County Veterans Service Center ($2,800,000): Supports construction of a 12,000-square-foot facility providing critical services to local veterans and their families.
- 51st Street West Extension ($1,500,000): Funds roadway expansion to improve infrastructure, safety and economic development in Southwest Manatee County.
- SeaPort Manatee Channel Extension Reimbursement ($3,345,000): Provides federal reimbursement for prior port channel improvements essential to long-term port growth.
- State Road 64 Improvements ($1,000,000): Supports intersection upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and congestion reduction.
- Bradenton City Park Stormwater Improvements ($3,000,000): Modernizes stormwater infrastructure as part of a broader community park and recreation expansion.
- New College of Florida Pedestrian Greenway Corridor ($800,000): Improves pedestrian safety along the north-south corridor.
- Holmes Beach Spine Flood Improvement Project ($1,500,000): Reduces flooding and strengthens stormwater infrastructure along Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
- Wimauma Septic-to-Sewer Conversion ($2,000,000): Converts failing septic systems to centralized sewer service to protect public health and water quality.
- South Hillsborough Aquifer Recharge Program ($750,000): Supports recharge well construction to protect the Upper Floridan Aquifer and safeguard long-term water supply.
- Moffitt Cancer Center Quantum-Inspired Imaging Research ($750,000): Funds advanced imaging technology to accelerate development of new cancer treatments.
- Manatee Children’s Services Facility & Equipment Upgrades ($605,550): Enhances medical equipment, ADA accessibility, safety infrastructure and trauma-informed services for vulnerable children.
Local leaders praised the funding and highlighted its impact on their communities:
“We are grateful to Congressman Buchanan and thank him for his support of our university. This funding will allow the University of South Florida to create a world-class collaborative space for students, as well as entrepreneurs and small business professionals with state-of-the-art technology that is often something small businesses need but lack the resources to acquire,” said the University of South Florida President Moez Limayem.
“SeaPort Manatee deeply appreciates the support of Congressman Buchanan in securing reimbursement of $3.345 million in federal funding for a critical project that, for the past decade, has been vital to the port’s continuing growth,”said Manatee County Port Authority Chairman Mike Rahn.
“Thanks to our Congressman Vern Buchanan, these federal investments represent real momentum for Manatee County. They help us deliver on key community goals—improving quality of life, strengthening transportation networks and ensuring our veterans and their families have the support they deserve,” said Manatee Board of County Commissioners Chair Tal Siddique.
“We are grateful to Congressman Buchanan and his team for securing this $4 million investment for Bradenton. The improvements along State Road 64 will enhance safety and mobility for residents and visitors. The stormwater funding for City Park is a key step that allows us to move forward with a larger vision for expanded recreation, youth programs, and community space around LECOM Park. Together, these projects strengthen essential infrastructure and directly benefit the people who call Bradenton home,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown.
“The City of Holmes Beach is thrilled to hear about the THUD appropriations bill being signed into law and is looking forward to beginning its review of stormwater infrastructure improvements along Marina Drive. Improving the drainage in this portion of the City will help residents and first responders navigate the critical north/south roadway on Anna Maria Island. The funding will help us improve services and is greatly appreciated. Congressman Buchanan has always been a strong advocate for our city and we are most grateful for his support in our resiliency,” said Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.
“We are honored to receive federal funding for the Pedestrian Greenway Corridor. We are so grateful to Congressman Buchanan for securing this funding for New College of Florida, which will help create a brighter future for the college, our students, and the entire community,” said the New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran.
“This generous investment through the Community Project Funding is truly transformative for Manatee Children’s Services and, most importantly, for the children and families who turn to us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This support allows us to enhance the safety and quality of abuse examinations, strengthen our technology and infrastructure, and create a more secure, welcoming, and child-friendly environment across our campus. From updated medical and therapeutic equipment to ADA-accessible improvements and disaster preparedness, these funds help ensure that every child we serve receives compassionate, trauma-informed care in a space designed for healing. We are deeply grateful for this support, which strengthens our ability to protect children, promote recovery, and build a safer, more hopeful future for our community,” said Manatee Children’s Services CEO Melinda Thompson.
“Thanks to Rep. Buchanan’s advocacy, this funding allows us to build next-generation imaging capabilities that translate directly into better tools for understanding, detecting, and ultimately treating cancer. We are using this technology to follow how tumors evolve in three dimensions, and how individual tumor cells work to evade the immune system, and resist therapies. We will use these tools to find new treatments for the most dangerous cancers. It pairs so well with our existing strengths in imaging and patient avatars,” said Moffitt Dr. W. Gregory Sawyer.
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