U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor and Anna Paulina Luna have selected five projects, submitted by the city of St. Petersburg, to send to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration in the fiscal year 2025 budget. The projects total $17.7 million and would go toward critical infrastructure and environmental projects.
The city submitted seven projects for consideration, with five ultimately selected. The selected projects represent a $7.6 million increase over the city’s requested funding for projects in this fiscal year.
“I’m thankful to Representative Castor and Representative Luna for recognizing the significance of these Community Project Fund requests to our city and carrying them forward in the House of Representatives,” Mayor Ken Welch said. “These projects are a reflection of our values as a city, demonstrating our commitment to resilience, sustainability and public safety in every neighborhood.”
Castor selected three projects to submit to the Appropriations Committee including $5 million for a project that would elevate a section of MLK St., south of Salt Creek to 32nd Ave. South, that often floods; $1.5 million for a seagrass mitigation bank; and $1.3 million for water quality improvements to Crescent Lake.
Luna selected two projects to submit to the Appropriations Committee including $9 million for a master lift station to increase stormwater conveyance capacity at the Bartlett Lake/Salt Creek Pump Station; and $900,000 for police take-home vehicles.
The selection by local members of Congress means the projects have now been reviewed to ensure there are no ethical conflicts between members and the projects submitted. Funding is subject to the Appropriations Committee and the general legislative process.
“I am grateful for the Community Project Funding requests championed by our distinguished legislators and their continued support of St. Petersburg and our investments in projects across the city”, said Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders. “This only affirms the collective work of our city leadership and federal representatives listening to our residents and prioritizing their needs.”