Appropriations Requests
Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations Requests
Project Name: USF AI-Assisted Gust Wind Tunnel for Advanced Air Mobility
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: University of South Florida
Recipient Address: 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620
Request Explanation: The University of South Florida recently established an aerospace engineering program within its internationally renowned College of Engineering. The development of this program recognizes the growing demand for the profession within the state and the greater Tampa Bay region for both defense and civilian applications. The proposed wind tunnel project would catapult USF and our region into a national leadership position in the emerging field at the intersection of AI and aerospace engineering. Both the military and defense contracting companies have expressed an interest in using the proposed wind tunnel to more accurately test products and materials, and this new technology would serve as a regional asset, attracting users state and nation-wide. The acquisition and availability of this state-of-the-art flight technology would also support Florida’s effort to ensure the headquarters of NASA is permanently located in our state. This project is a constitutional use of taxpayer dollars in alignment with Congress’ authority to provide for the general welfare, including supporting scientific and technological advancements. The proposed funding will support research aligned with NIST’s implementation task in section 272 of title 15, United States Code to: test, calibrate, and certify standards and standard measuring apparatus; study and develop fundamental scientific understanding and improved measurement, analysis, synthesis, processing, and fabrication methods for chemical substances and compounds, ferrous and nonferrous metals, and all traditional and advanced materials, including processes of degradation; study computer systems and their use to control machinery and processes; and undertake such research in engineering, pure and applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, materials science, and the physical sciences as may be necessary to carry out and support the functions specified in this section.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Police Equipment - Drone as First Responder
Requested Amount: $2,247,912
Intended Recipient: Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Recipient Address: 2500 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
Request Explanation: Orange County is a dynamic and densely populated region that includes residential communities, major travel corridors, tourism centers, large public venues, and critical infrastructure. With many outdoor venues in the area, including theme parks, stadiums, and crowded downtown areas, using drones as first responders will decrease response time and increase the safety of the public. Traditional emergency response models face limitations due to traffic congestion, geographic distance, and resource constraints that can delay vital information reaching officers in the earliest stages of an incident. The requested autonomous dock systems enable drones to launch immediately upon dispatch activation without requiring on-scene personnel, thereby reducing time to aerial intelligence and supporting faster, safer ground responses. Investing in this technology represents a prudent use of taxpayer funds because it leverages commercially available, proven systems that multiply agency capacity without proportional increases in staffing. Funding this project would substantially upgrade the region’s ability to respond to threats, ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, and law enforcement officers. The project strengthens public trust through transparency and improves response efficiency, making it a cost-efficient enhancement to existing emergency services. This is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it increases the safety of all residents in the 11th congressional district. This benefits those who live outside of Orange County because the Orange County Sheriff’s Office coordinates with neighboring public safety agencies to enhance their response efforts. As threat levels evolve, response technology must evolve simultaneously.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Digital Twin Manufacturing Testbed
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: Florida State University
Recipient Address: 2005 Levy Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Request Explanation: This project would strengthen Florida’s economy by accelerating innovation in its aerospace, defense, and medical device sectors—industries that provide high-wage jobs and drive regional growth. By establishing a shared digital twin manufacturing testbed at Florida State University, the state would expand in-state product development, reduce reliance on out-of-state supply chains, and enhance readiness to support national security missions. It would also train a highly skilled workforce, positioning Florida as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and defense technology innovation. This project is a strong use of taxpayer dollars because it establishes shared, high-impact digital twin manufacturing infrastructure that enables rapid translation of new concepts into validated, pilot-scale products and processes. The proposed testbed will provide affordable access to advanced engineering capabilities, expert support, and workforce training that are essential for the aerospace, defense, and healthcare sectors but are often beyond the reach of individual organizations. By filling critical gaps in infrastructure, expertise, and skilled talent, the facility will reduce development risk, accelerate innovation, and support pilot production while avoiding duplicative investments. As a shared resource serving public and private users, the testbed will strengthen Florida’s industrial base, expand workforce readiness, stimulate regional economic growth, and directly support national security and healthcare missions.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: City of Webster Lift Station Replacement Project
Requested Amount: $1,536,165
Intended Recipient: City of Webster
Recipient Address: 85 E Central Ave, Webster, FL 33597
Request Explanation: For a rural or semi-rural community like Webster, these benefits are especially significant. A single lift station failure can affect the entire service area. Replacing the station now prevents escalating risks and positions the community for safe, sustainable growth. This project represents a responsible and efficient use of taxpayer dollars by proactively addressing aging and vulnerable wastewater infrastructure before failures occur. By rehabilitating and hardening two critical lift stations, the City of Webster will reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs, environmental contamination, and public health impacts associated with sanitary sewer overflows. Investing in preventative upgrades now will extend the useful life of existing infrastructure, improve system reliability during severe weather events, and reduce long-term operational and maintenance costs. This approach ensures federal funds are used strategically to protect essential public services, safeguard water quality, and strengthen infrastructure resilience for the community.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Requests
Project Name: USF Cybersecurity Technology, Research, and Workforce Training Program
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: University of South Florida
Recipient Address: 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, 33620
Request Explanation: The funding would be allocated towards acquiring and deploying cutting-edge cyber training tools and environments, analyzing cyber training outcomes to establish best practices, and prioritizing the facilitation of cybersecurity certificate training. Funding this program would enable hundreds of students to meet the critical, growing demand across our nation.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Wildwood Water Reclamation Facility and Biological Nutrient Removal Improvements
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Wildwood
Recipient Address: 100 N. Main Street Wildwood, FL 34785
Request Explanation: This project will provide increased reclaimed water, with reduced nutrient concentrations, for one of the fastest-growing areas of the State. A state-of-the-art BNR/AWT treatment facility, constructed in phases, will be implemented including a 5-Stage BNR treatment system to reduce nutrients entering local groundwater systems (PAR and RIBs), protect the Silver River and the Upper Silver River BMAP Basin, and further the goals and objectives of the BMAP. This is needed to ensure access to clean water by the city of Wildwood and surrounding communities, including The Villages, and preserve Florida’s natural resources.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: FSU Quantum Communication Testbed
Requested Amount: $4,550,000
Intended Recipient: Florida State University
Recipient Address: 600 W College Ave Tallahassee, FL 32304
Request Explanation: The funding would be used by the Florida State University-Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Engineering for the creation of a quantum communication testbed, which would leverage existing University infrastructure including the highly unique and specialized National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion to study extreme effects on quantum communication. Meeting this challenge is necessary to maintain the United States’ position as a world leader in technology and research.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Polk City Wastewater Improvement Project
Requested Amount: $3,997,196
Intended Recipient: City of Polk City
Recipient Address: 123 Broadway Boulevard SE Polk City, FL 33868
Request Explanation: Funding will be used to upgrade failing piping to the Polk City wastewater collection system delivered to Cardinal Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility located in Polk City, Florida. Specifically, funding will support the lining of 30,000 linear feet of piping which will extend the lifetime of the current failing piping and increase capacity for approximately 1,600 people.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: City of Clermont 8th Street Pier Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
Requested Amount: $2,257,200
Intended Recipient: City of Clermont
Recipient Address: 685 West Montrose Street Clermont, FL 34711
Request Explanation: The project would upgrade an antiquated stormwater retention area into a tiered greenspace featuring an immersive stormwater retention pond, bioswales, and native rain gardens. This infrastructure would naturally filter stormwater and improve both water quality and aquatic habitat within the lake. Additional elements would include shoreline native species and tree planting to cool water temperatures and provide habitat, restoration of a vegetated littoral shelf along the lake shoreline, construction of a green-roofed restroom building, and installation of pervious pavement for the parking areas and promenade.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Central Florida Training Equipment - Orange County Sheriff
Requested Amount: $685,920.60
Intended Recipient: Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Recipient Address: 2500 W Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32804
Request Explanation: This project will help increase safety and security for citizens and area visitors. All funds will go towards the purchase of technology and equipment needed to respond more quickly and effectively, improve officer safety, increase transparency, and enhance community relations.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility Capacity Expansion and Process Optimization
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Winter Garden
Recipient Address: 300 W. Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to increase capacity and achieve Advanced Wastewater Treatment standards. Expanding capacity and optimizing the Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility in Winter Garden will improve water quality, increase the production of reclaimed water, and protect source water obtained from Lake Apopka in order to advance ongoing restoration efforts, improve boat navigation, and enhance ecotourism.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: University of Florida’s Health Central Florida Elevating Care Through Workforce Development: Simulation Lab
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: UF Health Leesburg Hospital
Recipient Address: 600 E. Dixie Ave Leesburg, FL 34748
Request Explanation: The funding will enable purchase of technological equipment for a new Simulation (SIM) lab, which is needed to address workforce challenges and shortages in the healthcare sector in one of the fastest-growing areas in Florida. The program will give nursing students at University of Florida’s Health Central, located at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in Leesburg, a hands-on clinical experience that will significantly improve skill performance and knowledge acquisition, creating a pipeline of better-prepared students entering our healthcare sector.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Modeling & Simulation Small Business Accelerator
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: National Center for Simulation
Recipient Address: 3039 Technology Parkway Orlando, FL 32826
Request Explanation: This funding would support the establishment of a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Small Business Accelerator at the National Center for Simulation located in Orlando, FL. If funded, the Center would be able to support a series of innovative challenges designed to boost production efficiency in modeling and simulation. By helping small businesses scale their operations, the accelerator could directly lead to job creation and enhanced national security and public welfare. This project fosters innovation, drives economic growth, creates jobs, strengthens U.S. industries, and accelerates the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies that benefit national security and public welfare.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Lake Apopka Shoreline Restoration Project
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Winter Garden
Recipient Address: 300 W. Plant St Winter Garden, FL 34787
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to support Phase 1 of a multi-phase dredging project to restore a portion of the Lake Apopka shoreline. It addresses critical environmental concerns in Lake Apopka, preserves water quality, and safeguards the well-being of local residents and ecosystems.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: MCO Airport Public Roadway Wayfinding and Signage Phase 1
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Recipient Address: One Jeff Fuqua Boulevard Orlando, FL 32827
Request Explanation: Nearly 60 million annual passengers use MCO each year and the public roadway system to access Terminals A, B and C is reaching its limits of capacity on many segments of the system, particularly in the North Terminal at Terminals A and B. A solution to mitigate this problem is to expand and improve the airport's roadway wayfinding and signage program to route traffic to less used roads such as Heintzelman Boulevard on the east side of the airport to bypass the most congested parts of the roadway system. This approach will benefit almost all passengers and better distribute traffic across the entire roadway network.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Town of Montverde CR 455 Complete Street
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Lake County
Recipient Address: 315 W Main St Tavares, FL 32778
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to improve County Road 455, which is a major connector roadway in Lake County that passes through the rural Town of Montverde. The project would provide bike lanes, multi-use trail, sidewalk, improved street crossing, traffic calming, as well as critical drainage improvements. With project completion, residents and visitors will be able to safely travel this key roadway in Lake County and accompanying Central Florida connector roads that are critical to this region’s business, residential and tourist traffic.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Eustis Workforce Education & Training Center (EETC)
Requested Amount: $3,250,000
Intended Recipient: Lake – Sumter State College
Recipient Address: 9501 U.S. Highway 441 Leesburg, FL 34788
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to construct the EETC Building, which will be a workforce development facility that will provide training and certifications in utility linework and commercial driving. This training and certification will address critical labor shortages in these vital industries. There is an estimated shortage of over 24,000 drivers in the trucking industry and anticipated 21,800 line-worker job openings in 2025
Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Requests
Project Name: Lake Apopka Shoreline Restoration Project
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Winter Garden
Recipient Address: 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, Florida, 34787
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to support Phase 1 of a multi-phase dredging project to restore a portion of the Lake Apopka shoreline. It addresses critical environmental concerns in Lake Apopka, preserves water quality, and safeguards the wellbeing of local residents and ecosystems.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Jeff Fuqua Boulevard (Loop Road) A Terminal Entrance Improvement Project
Requested Amount: $3,375,000
Intended Recipient: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Recipient Address: One Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, 32827
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to deliver critical improvements to the intersection of Jeff Fuqua Boulevard and South Park Place/Station Loop Road. The project will simplify traffic movements, reduce congestion, decrease pollution from idling vehicles and improve overall traffic. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) has experienced tremendous growth in vehicular traffic over the past decade, resulting in delays that cause unsafe conditions and affect airport operations.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Town of Montverde CR 455 Complete Street Project
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: Lake County
Recipient Address: 315 West Main Street, Suite 308, Tavares, Florida, 32778
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to improve County Road 455, which is a major connector roadway in Lake County that passes through the rural Town of Montverde. The project would provide bike lanes, multi-use trail, sidewalk, improved street crossing, traffic calming, as well as critical drainage improvements. With project completion, residents and visitors will be able to safely travel this key roadway in Lake County and accompanying Central Florida connector roads that are critical to this region’s business, residential and tourist traffic.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Wildwood Wastewater Project
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Wildwood
Recipient Address: 100 N. Main Street Wildwood, Florida, 34785
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to provide necessary wastewater capacity to support the ongoing regional growth in housing, commercial, and industrial development. It will improve existing infrastructure and aging equipment in order to meet the Advanced Water Treatment standards set by the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Polk County Emergency Operations Center Office Expansion
Requested Amount: $1,875,000
Intended Recipient: Polk County
Recipient Address: 330 West Church Street, PO Box 9005, Drawer CA01 Bartow, Florida, 33831
Request Explanation: The funding would be used for expanding the existing Emergency Operations Center, responsible for planning and coordinating actions to prepare, respond and recover from natural or man-made disasters in Polk County. It also plans and conducts emergency training and serves as a liaison with state and federal emergency agencies. The 15-year-old facility does not meet current or future needs.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Winter Garden Wastewater Project
Requested Amount: $ 5,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Winter Garden
Recipient Address: 300 W. Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to increase capacity and achieve Advanced Wastewater Treatment standards. Expanding capacity and optimizing the Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility in Winter Garden will improve effluent water quality, increase the production of reclaimed water, and protect source water obtained from Lake Apopka in order to advance ongoing restoration efforts, improve boat navigation, and enhance ecotourism.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: University of South Florida’s Cybersecurity Technology, Research, and Workforce Training Program
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: University of South Florida
Recipient Address: 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620
Request Explanation: The funding would be allocated towards acquiring and deploying cutting-edge cyber training tools and environments, analyzing cyber training outcomes to establish best practices, and prioritizing the facilitation of cybersecurity certificate training. Funding this program would enable hundreds of students to meet the critical, growing demand across our nation.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: University of Florida’s Health Central Florida Elevating Care Through Workforce Development: Simulation Lab
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Inc.
Recipient Address: 600 E Dixie Ave. Leesburg, Florida, 34748
Request Explanation: The funding will enable purchase of technological equipment for a new Simulation (SIM) lab. The program will give nursing students at University of Florida’s Health Central, located at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in Leesburg, a hands-on clinical experience that will significantly improve skill performance and knowledge acquisition, creating a pipeline of better-prepared students entering our healthcare sector.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Florida State University’s Quantum Communication Testbed
Requested Amount: $4,550,000
Intended Recipient: Florida State University
Recipient Address: 222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32306
Request Explanation: The funding would be used by the Florida State University-Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Engineering for the creation of a quantum communication testbed, which would leverage existing University infrastructure including the highly unique and specialized National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion to study extreme effects on quantum communication. Meeting this challenge is necessary to maintain the United States’ position as a world leader in technology and research.
Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Requests
Project Name: Cyberworks, Cybersecurity Workforce Training Program
Requested Amount: $ 2,500,000
Intended Recipient: The University of South Florida (USF)
Recipient Address: 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620
Request Explanation: The funding would allow 300 additional Floridians to participate this fiscal year in CyberWorks, a 19-week cybersecurity certificate training program that prepares non-traditional adult students, and especially recently discharged military veterans, to enter the civilian and defense cybersecurity workforce as Tier 1 Security Operation Center (SOC) Analysts.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Rapid DNA system
Requested Amount: $695,540
Intended Recipient: Lake County Sheriff
Recipient Address: 551 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to purchase a Rapid DNA system to help bolster law enforcement efficiency, investigations and reduce crime lab backlogs. The Sheriff’s office would house the instruments at their jail and would make them available to surrounding agencies as needed to assist with public safety across the county.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Southbound Jeff Fuqua Realignment at Orlando International Airport
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Recipient Address: One Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827
Request Explanation: The funding would help deliver improvements to the intersection of Jeff Fuqua Boulevard and South Park Place/Station Loop Road at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to simplify traffic movements, reduce congestion, decrease pollution from idling vehicles at red lights, and improve overall traffic flow at one of the nation’s busiest airports. More than 115,000 vehicles per day already travel through MCO terminals causing traffic delays that result in unsafe conditions and affect airport operations.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: PD&E for the FDC Grove Road/Northridge Trail Flyover of Interstate 4/US Highway 27 interchange
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Recipient Address: 330 W. Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830.
Request Explanation: The funding would be used to complete planning for a bridge/flyover I-4 west of US 27 to connect FDC Grove Road to the Northridge Trail to allow traffic to bypass that interchange by moving local north/south traffic on a route parallel to US Highway 27.
Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Requests
Project Name: CR 466A 4-Laning Final Phase Completion
Requested Amount: $3,611,561
Intended Recipient: Lake County, FL
Recipient Address: 315 W Main St #3813, Tavares, FL 32778
Request Explanation: The funding would enable completion of a major 4-laning project providing regional traffic connectivity and improved traffic flow from US 301 in Sumter County to US 27/441 in Lake County.
Certification of Financial Disclosure
Project Name: Citrus Grove Road Phase II
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Lake County, FL
Recipient Address: 315 W Main St #3813, Tavares, FL 32778
Request Explanation: Citrus Grove Road is a major collector roadway connecting US Hwy 27 to N. Hancock Road at the Florida turnpike Interchange in Minneola. Phase II is part of a 5-phase project; Phases I and III are complete; Phases IV and V are soon to be under construction; Phase II will complete the project. The existing road is an old farm to market road that is inadequate to serve current regional transportation needs. There are no adjacent homes or businesses on this segment of road. The funding requested is for final design of the project.