CPF Requests

Díaz-Balart Delivers Critical Funding to South Florida

Congressman Díaz-Balart has a proven track record of delivering federal funds toward projects and programs that will address the most significant needs facing South Florida. Only state, local, and tribal governments, and publicly owned entities (e.g., ports, universities, public utility districts, etc.) are permitted to request Community Project Funding.

Fiscal Year 2024⇒$30.3 Million Total

Recipients: City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, Town of Medley, Collier County, Doral Police Department, City of Hialeah Gardens, City of Hialeah, Everglades City, Collier County Sheriff's Office, Village of Virginia Gardens, FIU

Fiscal Year 2023⇒$38.1 Million Total

Recipients: City of Hialeah, City of Sweetwater, Town of Miami Lakes, City of Clewiston, Miami-Dade County, Hendry County, Everglades Society, Rural Neighborhoods

Fiscal Year 2022⇒$10.3 Million Total

Recipients: Everglades City, Collier County, Hendry County, City of Clewiston, Miami-Dade County, FIU

---

FY26 CPF Requests Submitted

(CJS, Interior, and Energy & Water)

City of Hialeah Gardens High Priority Marked Police Patrol Vehicles

Recipient: City of Hialeah Gardens
Location: 10001 NW 87^th Avenue, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016
Amount: $2,040,000
Justification: The funding would be used to purchase 30 marked patrol vehicles for the City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department. These marked police vehicles will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as these resources will be used primarily for public safety and to ensure law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Collier County Sheriff’s Office Marked Vehicle Expansion Project

Recipient: Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Location: 3319 Tamiami Trail E, Building J, Naples, Florida 34112
Amount: $2,504,543
Justification: The funding would be used to upgrade Collier County Sheriff’s Office marked policing equipment that is in critical need of replacement. The equipment consists of marked patrol vehicles, replacement of specialty vehicles like a jail transport bus and hostage negotiation van, and a safe boat. These upgrades will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as these resources will be used primarily for public safety and to ensure law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Global Public Safety and Equipment Expansion Project:

Recipient: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office
Location: 9105 NW 25^th Street, Doral, Florida 33172
Amount: $4,580,000
Justification: The funding would be used to purchase a Unified Command Center, Command Bus, Mobile Field Force Gear, Total Containment Vessel with Hauling Vehicle, Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), Patrol Bicycles with Vehicle Trailers, Cybersecurity Equipment, and Computer CPUs. These tools and essential equipment will enhance public safety by improving law enforcement visibility, increasing officer presence, and deterring crime in the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these resources will greatly enhance the speed of response during emergencies and guarantee the security of community members during major events.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Mobile Operation Command Center Project:

Recipient: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office
Location: 9105 NW 25^th Street, Doral, Florida 33172
Amount: $1,050,000
Justification: This funding would be used to purchase two District Mobile Operations Centers (MOCs) for MDSO. MOCs serve as a mobile command post for critical incidents, natural disasters, and major events. The MOCs would have technology to serve as a mobile workstation for active scenes and aid units to conduct investigations. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these tools and essential equipment will enhance public safety by improving law enforcement visibility, increasing officer presence, and deterring crime in the community.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami Springs Police Department Marked Fleet Modernization Project:

Recipient: City of Miami Springs Police Department
Location: 201 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, Florida 33166
Amount: $500,000
Justification: The funding would be used to upgrade six marked Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the Miami Springs Police Department. These marked police vehicles will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as these resources will be used primarily for public safety and to ensure law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miccosukee Tribe Police Department’s Marked Police Patrol Vehicle Project:

Recipient: Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Location: 37790 SW 8th St, Miami, Florida 33194
Amount: $350,000
Justification: The funding would be used to upgrade five marked Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the Miccosukee Police Department. These marked vehicles will enhance public safety by improving law enforcement visibility, increasing officer presence, and deterring crime in the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these resources will greatly enhance the speed of response during emergencies and guarantee the security of community members.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Town of Medley, Wastewater Pump Station Project:

Recipient: Town of Medley
Location: 7777 NW 72nd Avenue, Medley, Florida 33166
Amount: $1,500,000
Justification: The funding would be used to redevelop the pump stations owned and operated by the Town of Medley. These repairs will mitigate future flooding and operational hazards due to pump station emergency failure, as well as normal operations. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it aims to improve public safety, health, and drainage. This will subsequently help the Town of Medley’s Road network enhancement, allowing for the easier flow of traffic, promoting multimodal mobility, facilitating emergency evacuations, and improving connectivity and accessibility for the transportation of goods and the circulation of heavy equipment in the area.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

University of Miami, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Research and Innovation Hub Equipment Expansion Project:

Recipient: University of Miami
Location: 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, Florida 33136
Amount: $3,100,000
Justification: The funding will be used to acquire technology for cutting-edge treatments for neurological conditions. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as Miami-Dade County has the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in the country, and this equipment will pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and innovative treatments that have the potential to improve the lives of millions worldwide. The equipment will also assist in establishing new standards and protocols for the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of biomedical therapies.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Village of Virginia Gardens Law Enforcement Technology Upgrades Project:

Recipient: Village of Virginia Gardens
Location: 6498 NW 38th Terrace, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166
Amount: $450,000
Justification: The funding would be used to upgrade technology infrastructure including communication systems, surveillance equipment, and data analytics tools to improve officer coordination and efficiency; replacing and upgrading essential equipment such as body cameras and protective gear, as well as purchasing red dot sights to enhance officer accuracy and efficiency, particularly in areas surrounding Miami International Airport. This project is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the law enforcement department through the implementation of cutting-edge technology and equipment upgrades. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these resources will serve a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

(THUD)

Collier County Veterans Community Center Project

Recipient: Collier County
Location: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112
Amount: $9,000,000
Justification: The funding would be used for the construction of the interior of the community center building. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will improve community access for the thousands of veterans that live in Collier County. The funds will be used to repair the interior of an existing building which will serve as a multi-purpose community center for veterans.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Everglades City Community Center Project

Recipient: Everglades City
Location: 102 Copeland Avenue North, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Amount: $7,200,000
Justification: The funding would be used for construction of a new community center which will serve residents in Everglades City, and the eastern unincorporated Collier County communities of Chokoloskee Island, Copeland, Jerome, Lee Cypress, Ochopee and Plantation Island. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as the community center was severely damaged after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian and was subsequently demolished. The funds will be used to construct a new multi-purpose community center, which will be more resilient and will withstand future storms.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Feasibility Analysis for Proposed Interchange at I-75 and Everglades Boulevard Project

Recipient: Collier County
Location: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Amount: $2,000,000
Justification: Much of Collier County’s growth is occurring in the eastern part of our County, which is serviced by very few roadways accommodating the new residents that are moving to the area. The funding would be used for a feasibility analysis to open the existing Everglades Boulevard interchange located on portion of I-75. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as eastern Collier County residents are lacking a southern interchange providing direct access to interstate and are therefore required to traverse multiple local roadways to gain access.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

I-75 Project Development and Environmental Study, NW 170^th St and NW 154^th St Project

Recipient: FDOT
Location: 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, Fl 33172
Amount: $6,000,000
Justification: The funding would be used for network modifications to facilitate access to and from I-75 for NW 170th Street and NW 154th Street. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will significantly reduce congestion along I-75 and decrease congestion-related crashes along the segment between NW 138th Street and Miami Gardens Drive.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami Lakes Big Cypress Drainage Improvements Project

Recipient: Town of Miami Lakes
Location: 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Amount: $973,000
Justification: The funding would be used to reconstruct the drainage system which will safeguard 83 residential homes from flooding. Furthermore, this project will improve public safety by eliminating standing water along the roadways which are used for emergency evacuation routes. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as this area experiences frequent flooding. Miami Lakeway South is the only roadway that leads residents to the evacuation route. Flooding along this roadway would compromise the emergency evacuation and response times. The funds will be used to construct a drainage system that would double the capacity of the existing system, which will help prevent flooding.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Hialeah Southeast Hialeah Stormwater Improvements Project

Recipient: City of Hialeah
Location: 501 Palm Avenue Hialeah, Florida 33010
Amount: $4,900,000
Justification: The funding would be used for infrastructure improvements along SE 6th and 8 Ave / SE 4th and 8th Street. The proposed improvements consist of storm water mitigation through the installation of curbs and gutters, as well as the reconstruction of roadways. Additionally, the project includes the installation of sidewalks and energy efficient LED street lighting. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the area is notorious for flooding during the rainy season due to dated infrastructure, which has not been rehabilitated in decades. Furthermore, this project offers a two-fold benefit for the community, such as flood mitigation and public safety improvement.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

FY25 CPF Requests Submitted

City of Hialeah Southeast Stormwater Improvements Project:

Recipient: City of Hialeah
Location: 501 Palm Avenue, Hialeah, Florida 33010
Amount: $3,900,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for infrastructure improvements along SE 6th and 8 Ave / SE 4th and 8th Street. The proposed improvements consist of stormwater mitigation through the installation of curbs and gutters, as well as the reconstruction of roadways. Additionally, the project includes the installation of sidewalks and energy-efficient LED street lighting. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the area is notorious for flooding during the rainy season due to dated infrastructure, which has not been rehabilitated in decades. Furthermore, this project offers a two-fold benefit for the community, such as flood mitigation and public safety improvement.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Hialeah Police Department Real-Time Operations Center Project:

Recipient: City of Hialeah
Location: 501 Palm Avenue, Hialeah, Florida 33010
Amount: $2,000,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for a real-time operations center that will function as a central command that will aid police officers responding to incidents by providing critical information regarding the scene they are approaching, thereby greatly improving the responding officers’ situational awareness. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these resources will greatly enhance the speed of response during emergencies, in addition to improving officer and public safety in the community.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Miami Marked Police Cruisers Project:

Recipient: City of Miami
Location: 444 SW 2nd Ave, Miami, Florida 333130
Amount: $5,000,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for the acquisition of marked police cruisers for the City of Miami Police Department. These marked police cruisers will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as these resources will be used primarily for public safety and to ensure law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Collier County Veterans Community Center Project:

Recipient: Collier County
Location: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112
Amount: $9,000,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for the construction of the interior of the community center building. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will improve community access for the thousands of veterans who live in Collier County. The funds will be used to repair the interior of an existing building, which will serve as a multi-purpose community center for veterans.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Everglades City Community Center Project:

Recipient: Everglades City
Location: 102 Copeland Avenue North, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Amount: $7,200,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for the construction of a new community center, which will serve residents in Everglades City and the eastern unincorporated Collier County communities of Chokoloskee Island, Copeland, Jerome, Lee Cypress, Ochopee, and Plantation Island. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as the community center was severely damaged after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian and was subsequently demolished. The funds will be used to construct a new multi-purpose community center, which will be more resilient and will withstand future storms.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Feasibility Analysis for Proposed Interchange at I-75 and Everglades Boulevard Project:

Recipient: Collier County
Location: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Amount: $2,000,000 million
Justification: Much of Collier County’s growth is occurring in the eastern part of our County, which is serviced by very few roadways accommodating the new residents that are moving to the area. The funding would be used for a feasibility analysis to open the existing Everglades Boulevard interchange located on a portion of I-75. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as eastern Collier County residents are lacking a southern interchange providing direct access to the interstate and are therefore required to traverse multiple local roadways to gain access.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Hialeah Gardens High Priority Police Patrol Vehicles Project:

Recipient: City of Hialeah Gardens
Location: 10001 NW 87^th Avenue, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016
Amount: $1,547,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used to purchase 30 marked patrol vehicles for the City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department. These marked police vehicles will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as these resources will be used primarily for public safety and to ensure law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

I-75 Project Development and Environmental Study, NW 170^th St and NW 154^th St Project:

Recipient: FDOT
Location: 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, Fl 33172
Amount: $6,000,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for network modifications to facilitate access to and from I-75 for NW 170th Street and NW 154th Street. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will significantly reduce congestion along I-75 and decrease congestion-related crashes along the segment between NW 138th Street and Miami Gardens Drive.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami Dade County Roadway Improvement Project- NW 107 Avenue from NW 106^th St to NW 122th Street Project:

Recipient: Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works
Location: 701 NW 1^st Court, Suite 1700, Miami, Florida 33136.
Amount: $17,930,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used for network modifications to facilitate access to and from I-75 for NW 170th Street and NW 154th Street. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will significantly reduce congestion along I-75 and decrease congestion-related crashes along the segment between NW 138th Street and Miami Gardens Drive.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami Lakes Big Cypress Drainage Improvements Project:

Recipient: Town of Miami Lakes
Location: 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Amount: $973,000
Justification: The funding would be used to reconstruct the drainage system, which will safeguard 83 residential homes from flooding. Furthermore, this project will improve public safety by eliminating standing water along the roadways, which are used for emergency evacuation routes. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as this area experiences frequent flooding. Miami Lakeway South is the only roadway that leads residents to the evacuation route. Flooding along this roadway would compromise the emergency evacuation and response times. The funds will be used to construct a drainage system that would double the capacity of the existing system, which will help prevent flooding.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami Springs Police Department Marked Fleet Modernization Project:

Recipient: Miami Springs Police Department
Location: 201 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, Florida 33166
Amount: $500,000
Justification: The funding would be used to upgrade six marked Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the Miami Springs Police Department. These marked police vehicles will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds, as these resources will be used primarily for public safety and to ensure law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miccosukee Tribe Everglades Emergency Assistance Upgrades Project:

Recipient: Miccosukee Tribe
Location: 37790 SW 8th St, Miami, Florida 33194
Amount: $226,845
Justification: The funding would be used to enhance emergency response times by procuring specialized equipment, such as side-by-side vehicles, dive trailers and all-terrain vehicles, enabling responders to promptly access remote areas. This equipment will improve safety by offering dependable transportation choices for traversing difficult landscapes, and aid in effective underwater search and rescue missions. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these resources will greatly enhance the speed of response during emergencies, guarantee the security of community members, and enable efficient search and rescue operations. Through this project, the Miccosukee Tribe Police Department’s objective is to enhance community resilience and public safety, protect cultural heritage, while ensuring the long-term preservation of the distinctive ecosystem of the Everglades
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Town of Medley, Wastewater Pump Station Project:

Recipient: Town of Medley
Location: 7777 NW 72nd Avenue, Medley, Florida 33166
Amount: $1,500,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used to redevelop the pump stations owned and operated by the Town of Medley. These repairs will mitigate future flooding and operation hazards due to pump station emergency failure, as well as normal operations. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it aims to improve public safety, health, and drainage improvements. This will subsequently help the Town of Medley’s Road network enhancement, allowing easier flow of traffic, promoting multimodal mobility, emergency evacuations, and improving connectivity and accessibility for the transportation of goods and circulation of heavy equipment in the area.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

University of Miami, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Research and Innovation Hub Equipment Expansion Project:

Recipient: University of Miami
Location: 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, Florida 33136
Amount: $1,500,000 million
Justification: The funding would be used to acquire technology for cutting-edge treatments for neurological conditions. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as Miami-Dade County has the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in the country, and this equipment will pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and innovative treatments that have the potential to improve the lives of millions worldwide. The equipment will also assist in establishing new standards and protocols in the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of biomedical therapies.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Village of Virginia Gardens Law Enforcement Technology Upgrades Project:

Recipient: Village of Virginia Gardens
Location: 6498 NW 38th Terrace, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166.
Amount: $450,000
Justification: The funding would be used to upgrade technology infrastructure including communication systems, surveillance equipment, and data analytics tools to improve officer coordination and efficiency; replacing and upgrading essential equipment such as body cameras and protective gear, as well as purchasing red dot sights to enhance officer accuracy and efficiency, particularly in areas surrounding Miami International Airport. This project is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the law enforcement department through the implementation of cutting-edge technology and equipment upgrades. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as these resources will serve a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

FY24 Community Project Funding Requests

City of Hialeah Gardens Active Shooter and Emergency Response Training Facility Equipment Project:

Recipient: City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department
Location: 10001 NW 87^th Avenue, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016
Amount: $1,045,913 million
Justification: The Hialeah Gardens Police Department is already in construction for an Active Shooter and Emergency Response Facility, the Department is seeking equipment and technology to better prepare their law enforcement officers to ensure public safety, and improvements in reaction and decision-making time without risk of injury. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the use of these funds would serve as a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is trained repeatedly to improve reaction time and decision-making without risk of injury, with the equipment necessary to continue to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Hialeah Police Vehicle Fleet Revitalization Project

Recipient: City of Hialeah
Location: 501 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010
Amount: $2,589,680 million
Justification: The City of Hialeah is the sixth largest city in the state of Florida, and has over 60% of the vehicles used by officers on patrols that are at least five years old. The Department is seeking to replace 50 marked vehicles in the aging police fleet, and the technology equipment inside these vehicles. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the use of these funds would serve as a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is equipped with the equipment necessary to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Miami, Allapattah Community Action Elderly Center Renovations Project

Recipient: City of Miami
Location: 444 SW 2^nd Avenue, Suite 10, Miami, Florida 33130
Amount: $2,853,786.60 million
Justification: The Senior Center provides and promotes social services in the Allapattah area community at large, such as a hot meals program for the elderly and recreational and educational activities. Allapattah Community Action Elderly Centers will use the funds to renovate this community center. The scope includes upgrades and repairs to existing offices, painting the outside and inside of the building, new flooring, upgrades, and repairs to the facility parking, including lighting, new additional offices, new roofing, upgrades, and enhancements of the communal spaces such as meal prep, serving areas, and classrooms. They provide Learning Programs for low-income families in the neighborhood and surrounding area. The implementation will allow the centers to expand and enhance their services. Currently, there are 350 to 400 daily users who benefit directly from these programs.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Miami, Allapattah Child Care Center Renovations Project

Recipient: City of Miami
Location: 444 SW 2^nd Avenue, Suite 10, Miami, Florida 33130
Amount: $1,700,640.90 million
Justification: The Child Care Center provides and promotes social services in the Allapattah area community at large, such as a hot meals program for the children and recreational and educational activities. Allapattah Community Action Child Care Centers will use the funds to renovate this center. The scope includes upgrades and repairs to existing offices, painting the outside and inside of the building, new flooring, upgrades, and repairs to the facility parking, including lighting, new additional offices, new roofing, upgrades, and enhancement of the communal spaces such as meal prep, serving areas, and classrooms. They provide Learning Programs for low-income families and the children in the neighborhood and surrounding area. The implementation will allow the centers to expand and enhance their services. Currently, there are 350 to 400 daily users who benefit directly from these programs.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Collier County Sheriff's Office Policing Equipment and Vehicle Upgrades Project–

Recipient: Collier County Sheriff's Office
Location: 3319 Tamiami Trail E, Building J, Naples, FL 34112
Amount: $1 million
Justification: The Collier County Sheriff's Office provides a diverse and progressive law enforcement function to the citizens of Collier County. Situated in Southwest Florida, with 2,305 square miles, Collier is the largest county in Florida geographically, and the 17th most populous. The population estimate in 2022 was 385,980, with most concentrated along the Gulf Coast. In the span of 30 years, Collier County grew from 85,000 permanent residents in 1980 to almost 386,000 in 2022. In order to accomplish the agency’s mission, the timely replacement of agency vehicles and mobile radios is critical. At this time, the Collier Sheriff's office needs several marked vehicles to upgrade their fleet and mobile radios. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the use of these funds would serve as a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is equipped with the equipment necessary to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Collier County Transit Maintenance Facility Project

Recipient: Collier County
Location: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112
Amount: $3.6 million
Justification: The facility that the Collier County transit system uses for fleet maintenance has exceeded its useful life (a prefabricated building constructed in 1985) and is due to be replaced. Design for the project will be underway in 2023, but additional construction funds are needed to complete the project. The funding would be used for upgrades to the roof and exterior wall layer of the facility. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because proper fleet maintenance will improve the transit system in Collier County.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Collier County PACE Center for Girls, Security and Safety Technology Project-

Recipient: Pace Center for Girls, Inc.
Location: 150 N 1st St, Immokalee, FL 34142
Amount: $180,000
Justification: The PACE Center for Girls in Collier County serves girls across the county who are often experiencing trauma, family instability, incarceration, and academic failure, placing them at an increased risk for juvenile system involvement. The PACE Center is looking to add security cameras, video surveillance monitoring, exterior door locks, and staff key cards to ensure hardening measures for the facility and overall safety. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will improve community safety and hardening measures by allowing faculty to focus on early intervention services for at-risk girls across the county. Thus, achieving long-term socio-economic independence, breaking multigenerational cycles of poverty and trauma, and reducing recidivism in the community. This funding will improve community safety and hardening measures, allowing faculty to focus on early intervention services for at-risk girls across the county. Thus, achieving long-term socio-economic independence, breaking multigenerational cycles of poverty and trauma, and reducing recidivism in the community.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Doral Police Department and Police Radio Modernization Technology Project –

Recipient: Doral Police Department
Location: 6100 NW 99^th Avenue, Doral, FL 33178
Amount: $2 million
Justification: Doral Police Department (DPD) Communication and Police Radio Modernization Technology Project will provide an upgrade and modernization to their current police radios and allow DPD officers access to the next generation in technology. This upgrade will enhance officer and community safety by providing DPD police officers with the latest, most advanced broadband-enabled radios available, APX NEXT radios. Upgrading to this latest technology focuses on this critical issue by providing coverage anywhere for peace of mind and utmost officer safety. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the use of these funds would serve as a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is equipped with the equipment necessary to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

9. Everglades City Pump Stations Rehabilitation Project

Recipient: Everglades City, FL
Location: 102 Copeland Avenue North, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Amount: $1.5 million
Justification: Everglades City’s wastewater collection and transmission system includes several duplex submersible pump stations that pump into a network of force main piping that ultimately discharge into the City’s wastewater treatment facility. Most of these pump stations are in very poor condition, with deficiencies ranging from non-operational pumps to extensive corrosion of mechanical equipment. These funds will provide repairs and rehabilitation to improve the operation and reliability of the pump stations. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the improvements and repairs are needed to avoid sewer overflows and significantly reduce the risk of environmental and ecological damage to the surrounding areas.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

10.Everglades City, Carnestown, and Copeland Pump Stations Rehabilitation Project

Recipient: Everglades City, FL
Location: 102 Copeland Avenue North, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Amount: $600,000
Justification: Everglades City’s wastewater collection and transmission system includes several duplex submersible pump stations that pump into a network of force main piping that ultimately discharge into the City’s wastewater treatment facility. Most of these pump stations are in very poor condition, with deficiencies ranging from non-operational pumps to extensive corrosion of mechanical equipment. These funds will provide repairs and rehabilitation to improve the operation and reliability of the pump stations. The funding would be used for the rehabilitation of pump stations that are in very poor condition.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami-Dade County Roadway Resurfacing for Segments of NW 12^th ST to NW 25^th ST, from NW 107 Ave to NW 87 Ave -

Recipient: Miami-Dade County
Location: 111 NW 1^st Street, 14^th Floor; Miami, Florida 33128
Amount: $4.19 million
Justification: The County is requesting funds for proposed work consisting of milling and resurfacing the segments of NW 12 Street to NW 25 Street, from NW 107 Avenue to NW 87 Avenue. These projects will improve the roadway surface and driving conditions. The scope of work includes milling, resurfacing, adjustment of valve boxes and manholes, upgrading or construction of ADA ramps and connectors, as well as pavement markings and signage, and all necessary incidental work to extend the structural integrity of these features for a substantial period of time. The funding would be used for milling and resurfacing to mitigate recurring pavement maintenance, which will reduce impacts to maintenance costs. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve the roadway surface and driving conditions, as well as provide increased reliability and safety to this corridor
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami-Dade County Vision Zero Safety Improvements for East 4^th Avenue Project:

Recipient: Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works
Location: 701 NW 1^st Court, Miami, Florida 33136
Amount: $3 million
Justification: The County is seeking funding for the construction of roadway safety improvements to eliminate the number of fatalities and serious injuries. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve safety for all modes, vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. Furthermore, it will reduce the number of emergency response calls by police and emergency medical services. Construction of roadway safety improvements to eliminate the number of fatalities and serious injuries taking place on E. 4th Ave. between E. 43rd Street and E. 28th Street.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Town of Medley Connector Road and Roadway Improvements Project

Recipient: Town of Medley, FL
Location: 7777 NW 72^nd Avenue, Medley, Florida 33166
Amount: $1.5 million
Justification: The Town of Medley is seeking funds to improve connectivity between two main roads, which would alleviate transportation issues, improve safety, and provide mobility continuity to this area of the Town. The funding would be used for roadway improvements and to provide connectivity for the recently completed Northwest 87th Avenue project, which is predominantly an industrial area and is critical for the continued economic development of the Town of Medley. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will alleviate transportation issues, improve safety, and provide mobility continuity to this area of the Town of Medley.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Village of Virginia Gardens Law Enforcement Vehicle Upgrades Project

Recipient: Village of Virginia Gardens Police Department
Location: 6498 NW 38^th Terrace, Virginia Gardens, FL 33166
Amount: $480,000
Justification: The Village of Virginia Gardens is looking to upgrade six of its police vehicles to electric truck vehicles to reduce the department's operating costs and carbon emissions. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the use of these funds would serve as a primarily public purpose to engage in public safety and ensure law enforcement is ready and able to keep our community safe.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Windstorm Research Instrumentation and Testing Enhancement Project –.

Recipient: Florida International University
Location: 11200 SW 8^th Street, Miami, FL 33199
Amount: $4.05 million
Justification: FIU is a global leader in Wind Engineering research and testing for Civil Engineering applications and home to the Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility, a large wind tunnel capable of subjecting full-scale structures, building components, and systems to Category 5 hurricane-force winds. This project has three main objectives: (1) expand WOW’s capacity for future climate scenarios testing, particularly for Category 5 storms, which are increasing in numbers; (2) update and expand instrumentation for the WOW facility, and (3) develop and implement a targeted research and testing agenda to address future built environment windstorm resilience needs, focused on cost-effective techniques to improve the resilience of residences, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The funding would be used for the expansion of the Wall of Wind project, testing of Category 5 hurricane-force storms, which provides the entire community and country with targeted research on how to build environment windstorm resilience infrastructure. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because this research is critical to testing for resilient, cost-effective techniques and infrastructure as we make our community safer during Category 5 Hurricanes, especially given South Florida's frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

FY23 Community Project Funding Requests

Clewiston Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

Recipient: City of Clewiston, Florida
Location: 115 W. Ventura Avenue, Clewiston, Florida 33440
Amount: $4 million
Justification: Clewiston’s current wastewater treatment plant is an aging, critically important public utility infrastructure facility that receives all wastewater from the Clewiston community. The proposed improvements will update the current system's treatment processes, providing for the reuse of quality effluent that can be utilized for irrigation, continued public utility wastewater service availability for every utility customer currently served, and providing for the expansion of the plant’s capabilities to serve new customers.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Hialeah Sewer Line Revitalization

Recipient: City of Hialeah
Location: 501 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010
Amount: $5 million
Justification: The City currently needs to engage in preventative maintenance of two of its sewer interceptors, which are responsible for carrying sewage to a Miami-Dade County pump station. The average lifespan of these interceptors is typically 40 years. Both of the interceptors will reach their lifespan in FY2022. In order to extend the lifespan of the interceptors, the City has engaged in a practice called sewer lining, which has proven effective at other locations throughout the City and the County.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

City of Hialeah Roadway Revitalization

Recipient: City of Hialeah
Location: 501 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010
Amount: $5.3 million
Justification: This project will provide funding for stormwater mitigation through the installation of curbs and gutters within targeted areas, as well as the complete reconstruction of identified roadways. The scope of work for the projects will also consist of the installation of sidewalks and energy-efficient LED street lighting.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Doral Police Department (DPD) Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) Safe-City Policing Technology Project

Recipient: Doral Police Department
Location: 6100 NW 99^th Avenue, Doral, FL. 33178
Amount: $1 million
Justification: The DPD is embracing the concept of a ‘Safe City’ through efforts and initiatives that provide security and keep our citizens safe from a range of risks, including emergencies, natural disasters, and crime, while helping to smooth operations and positively impact the quality of life in our city. At this time, the DPD is in need of completing the installation of License Plate Readers (LPRs) in the entry and exit intersections throughout the City of Doral to enhance our security portfolio which provides the tools to capture accurate license plate recognition data, but more importantly, empowers public safety to use those detections to increase officer awareness, patrol productivity, and investigative efficiency.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Golden Gate Affordable and Workforce Housing Project

Recipient: Rural Neighborhoods, Incorporated
Location: 19308 SW 380^th Street, Post Office Box 343529, Florida City, FL 33034
Amount: $2 million
Justification: The Golden Gate Affordable and Workforce Housing for Seniors, Veterans, and Essential Service Personnel is an innovative approach to meeting the needs of fixed-income individuals and persons performing essential tasks in the community. The planned 350 units would make a significant contribution toward meeting the affordable housing needs in the community.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Mental Health Resource Centers

Recipient: Hendry County
Location: 640 S. Main St. Labelle, FL 33935
Amount: $700,000
Justification: Hendry County, like many rural communities around the nation, is far behind in its response to the mental health epidemic that our entire nation has suffered. While there are several mental health providers who serve Hendry County, the majority have main locations outside of the county and have specific days and hours to serve in Hendry County. Hendry County wishes to create a secure, private area for individuals to conduct their telehealth meetings and receive the care they need.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami-Dade County Septic to Sewer Project

Recipient: Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department
Location: 3071 SW 38^th Ave, Miami, FL 33146
Amount: $4 million
Justification: This project will provide funding for the private property costs to abandon septic tank systems and connect to available sanitary sewer infrastructure for approximately 400 homes located in low to moderate-income areas. Connecting properties vulnerable to rising groundwater reduces the risk of public health exposures from malfunctioning systems and reduces nutrient pollution, protecting ground and surface water resources, including Biscayne Bay.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami-Dade County Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project

Recipient: Miami-Dade County
Location: 111 NW 1^st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Amount: $420,000
Justification: The project goal is to improve the stormwater management practices in the area of NW 32^nd Avenue and N. River Drive. The project would reduce and provide treatment to stormwater, improving the level of service protection for water quantity and quality. Additionally, the project is anticipated to build resilience by allowing increased flood control capabilities, and improve future operations with anticipated sea-level rise.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Miami Lakes NW 59^th Ave Roadway Extension and Redevelopment Project

Recipient: Town of Miami Lakes
Location: 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
Amount: $4 million
Justification: Currently, there is no north-south bridge connectivity for the residential, commercial, and industrial population of the Town to access the industrial and commercial businesses located on and around the NW 59^th Ave roadway. The project would provide the vital bridge connection and roadway improvements needed to link the Northeast business district to the Southeast.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Rehabilitation of National Register of Historic Places Building

Recipient: Everglades Society for Historic Preservation, Inc.
Location: 102 N. Copeland Ave, Everglades City, FL 34139
Amount: $3 million
Justification: This project is directed toward the saving, rehabilitation, and return of the Historic Bank of Everglades building to the community. The building will be transformed into a public facility to serve both the community and visitors alike.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Sweetwater Affordable Housing - $20 Million

Recipient: Miami-Dade Housing and Community Development Public Housing Authority
Location: 701 NW 1^st Court, 16^th Floor, Miami, FL 33136
Amount: $20 million
Justification: This project would provide affordable housing in Sweetwater, FL.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Sweetwater Sewer Improvements

Recipient: City of Sweetwater
Location: 500 SW 109^th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
Amount: $4 million
Justification: The City of Sweetwater will need this funding for necessary sewage improvements to support Sweetwater's Affordable Housing initiatives.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Sweetwater Street Improvements - $4 Million

Recipient: City of Sweetwater
Location: 500 SW 109^th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
Amount: $4 million
Justification: The City of Sweetwater will need this funding for necessary street improvements needed for Sweetwater's Affordable Housing initiatives.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Sweetwater Infrastructure and Drainage Improvements

Recipient: City of Sweetwater
Location: 500 SW 109^th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
Amount: $6 million
Justification: The City of Sweetwater lacks adequate drainage infrastructure on many streets. This project will promote sustainability by raising roads, installing green swales, and encouraging non-vehicular traffic through more inviting roadways for pedestrians.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Tobie Wilson Municipal Complex Canal Bulkhead Wall

Recipient: Town of Medley
Location: 7777 NW 72^nd Ave, Medley, FL 33166
Amount: $3.251 million
Justification: The proposed bulkhead wall is needed to prepare the site for the development of the Medley Logistics Technologies and Training Center Facility, and the economic development incubator project is designed to meet the skilled workforce needs of the well-established Logistics Services sector in the Town of Medley and the surrounding area.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

FY22 Community Project Funding Requests

1.Everglades City Wastewater Treatment Plant

Recipient: Everglades City
Location: 102 Copeland Ave N. Everglades City, FL 34139
Amount: $6 million
Justification: The City's existing wastewater treatment facility is damaged, malfunctioning, at the end of its useful life, and overall is in very poor condition. The lack of redundancy, advanced level of corrosion, and undersized and inoperative equipment could at any moment result in a complete and catastrophic failure of wastewater treatment capability and potentially a wastewater spill into the Everglades National Park. The facility needs a complete replacement of all systems to guarantee compliance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Rules. The facility is located adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Park, and the Big Cypress National Preserve. The project consists of constructing a new treatment facility and demolishing the existing facility.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

2.Chokoloskee Master Pump Station

Recipient: Everglades City
Location: 102 Copeland Ave N. Everglades City, FL 34139
Amount: $1 million
Justification: The existing Master 1 & 2 pump station collects and re-pumps 100% of the wastewater from Chokoloskee Island. This pump station pumps directly into the City's wastewater treatment facility. The pump station is located within feet of the Chokoloskee Bay and Everglades National Park, and only a few feet above the mean high water line. The pump station is in poor condition with advanced levels of corrosion in most mechanical and electrical systems, and with valves that are not operational. A failure of this pump station would result in a large wastewater spill to the surrounding sovereign waters of the State. Similarly, the surge water level experienced during hurricane storms can flood and cause a complete failure of the pump station. This project consists of replacing the pump station by installing a new wet well, mechanical, and electrical equipment. The new systems will be installed at a higher elevation and will be more resilient to corrosion, high surge water levels, and capable of pumping increased flow rates.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

3.Miami-Dade County Septic to Sewer Laterals

Recipient: Miami-Dade County, Florida
Location: 111 NW First Street Miami, FL 33128
Amount: $750,000
Justification: The scope of this project will include the installation of public sewer laterals for residential properties abutting the sanitary sewer system. The laterals will be installed to incentivize private property owners to connect to the sanitary sewer system by reducing their costs to connect. The project will install laterals for up to 100 homes, which will be prioritized by parcel vulnerability to rising groundwater and a demonstration of a commitment by the property owner to connect to the sanitary sewer system. Installations would take place in the Doral and Sweetwater communities, within the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department's sewer service area.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

4.Miami-Dade County Safe Drinking Water Project

Recipient: Miami-Dade County, Florida
Location: 111 NW First Street, Justification: The City of Clewiston, Florida, is seeking a Congressional Appropriation in the amount of $999,857.68 to provide funding to address the overall condition, safety, and multimodal transportation utility of key arterial portions of Ventura Avenue. Miami, FL 33128
Amount: $1 million
Justification: The project will include the design, construction, and management to extend water mains and connect up to 50 homes to the public water supply to replace contaminated private wells. The purpose is to provide safe drinking water to properties with contamination from PFAS, agricultural byproducts, and other substances.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

5.Collier County Sidewalk Project

Recipient: Collier County, Florida
Location: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112-5746
Amount: $987,000
Justification: This project is part of the comprehensive sidewalk plan for the southern area of the Immokalee Community. Phase 1 and 2 were completed in 2018 and 2021. The project consists of 6-foot-wide concrete sidewalks on both sides of each roadway, as well as drainage improvements associated with the sidewalks. This phase will further the goal to provide an interconnected sidewalk network to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in this pedestrian-centric community.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

6.Clewiston Ventura Avenue Street Repair

Recipient: City of Clewiston, Florida
Location: 115 W. Ventura Avenue, Clewiston, Florida 33440
Amount: $999,858
Justification: The City of Clewiston, Florida is seeking a Congressional Appropriation in the amount of $999,857.68 to provide funding to address the overall condition, safety and multimodal transportation utility of key arterial portions of Ventura Avenue. This is a critical transportation need for an important collector street strategically located near the City's geographical center in the downtown core area.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

7.Hendry County Wastewater Infrastructure

Recipient: Hendry County Board of County Commissioners
Location: 640 S. Main Street, LaBelle, FL 33935
Amount: $300,000
Justification: This request is for funding of the construction and construction engineering inspection (CEI) services for a force main to and from Airglades Airport to the City of Clewiston's existing wastewater treatment plant. This project would progress the last piece of a multi‐year, multi‐agency, multi‐million-dollar investment that will spur economic development opportunities at Airglades Airport and the surrounding area. Additionally, the force main improvement project will protect public health and the regional environment by redirecting waste loads from the airport and additional developments to a higher‐level wastewater treatment facility in Clewiston and also decommissioning the Airglades Airport wastewater treatment plant.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

8.Hendry County Harlem Academy Upgrades

Recipient: Hendry County Board of County Commissioners
Location: 640 S. Main Street, LaBelle, FL 33935
Amount: $300,000
Justification: Hendry County needs funds to assist in the rehabilitation and improvement of the Harlem Academy in order to provide services to the Harlem community at large. Improving the facility will create a draw for prospective businesses to come in and create a safe space in the community to offer services such as childcare, health and wellness and youth development. This facility would be a benefit not only to the community of Harlem but also utilized and appreciated by the surrounding areas.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

9.Hendry County Cold Storage Facility

Recipient: Hendry County Board of County Commissioners
Location: 640 S. Main Street, LaBelle, FL 33935
Amount: $48,000
Justification: This project would be a major benefit for the county, which currently has no climate-controlled storage facilities to receive, stage, or deliver emergency supplies. The need for this type of storage at the EOC was best highlighted during Hurricane Irma when the county had to enter into an agreement with a local storage facility to stage food and water during the recovery process. The lack of climate control reduces the shelf life of all emergency supplies. Most recently during COVID 19 logistic operations, the EOC had to stage medical PPE, supplies and food in EOC hallways and breakout rooms before they could ultimately be delivered to final destination. The lack of climate-controlled storage reduces the shelf life of PPE and medical supplies.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

10.FIU

Recipient: Florida International University
Location: 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, FL 33199
Amount: $567,283
Justification: FIU will establish a uniquely capable observation system – the Aquarius Coral Reef Observatory - to monitor ocean temperature, water clarity, water chemistry, and ocean acidification. After the backbone of this system is in place, the monitoring station can be upgraded to include instrumentation for more advanced analyses, like using genetic fingerprinting to search for larvae of endangered species and sophisticated chemical sensors to sniff for signs of pollution events upstream in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The Aquarius undersea laboratory already provides some of the necessary infrastructure to support a next-generation automated data collection system that could supply continuous, real-time scientific data and sound and video streams. In addition to being incredibly valuable to scientists around the world, K-12 students will have access to datasets that can be manipulated to build higher-level analysis skills and video and audio streams to better understand complex ecological relationships between organisms.
CERTIFICATION LETTER

Issues:Appropriations