Buchanan secures $18 million in federal funding for Manatee community projects
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan recently secured nearly $18 million in federal funding for infrastructure and community projects in Manatee County.
Buchanan’s office announced Thursday that he earned $23 million in appropriations for Florida’s 16th District, which includes Manatee County and parts of Hillsborough County. Some of the largest appropriations will go toward Bradenton City Park stormwater improvements, SeaPort Manatee and the Manatee County Veterans Service Center.
This will be one of the last rounds of federal funding that Buchanan works on, as he announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of his current term after 20 years in Congress.
“This funding supports veterans, strengthens infrastructure, protects our water resources and advances lifesaving medical research,” Buchanan said in a release. “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.”
There’s also a $3 million appropriation for the University of South Florida Center for Entrepreneurship, which will help fund a “state-of-the-art entrepreneurship center on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to support students, startups and small businesses.”
However, pending state legislation puts USFSM’s future in jeopardy as lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow New College of Florida to take the USFSM campus.
When reached for comment, a USF representative said the university is grateful for Buchanan’s support, and said it’s too early to say how the proposed bill may impact the project.
“While a bill has been introduced in the Florida Legislature, nothing has been finalized,” USF Senior Director of Media Relations Althea Johnson said. “As the matter remains a proposal, it is premature to speculate on future operations.”
Federal funding for Bradenton-area community projects
Buchanan secured the $22.5 million through federal Community Project Funding for the 16th Congressional District, which will be included in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations.
The community projects that received appropriations span from a reimbursement for SeaPort Manatee’s channel expansion to support for Manatee County’s trail project from Palmetto to Parrish.
“Thanks to our Congressman Vern Buchanan, these federal investments represent real momentum for Manatee County,” Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique said in the release. “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.”
A $3 million appropriation will also go to the City of Bradenton for stormwater improvements at the planned City Park site.
“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,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said in the release.
Here’s a full list of the federal appropriations:
- University of South Florida Center for Entrepreneurship: $3 million — 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: $1.5 million — Advances design and construction of trail segments connecting Palmetto to Parrish, improving recreation and mobility.
- Manatee County Veterans Service Center: $2.8 million — Supports construction of a 12,000-square-foot facility providing critical services to local veterans and their families.
- 51st Street West Extension: $1.5 million — 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 million — Supports intersection upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and congestion reduction.
- Bradenton City Park Stormwater Improvements: $3 million — 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: $1.5 million — Reduces flooding and strengthens stormwater infrastructure along Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
- Wimauma Septic-to-Sewer Conversion: $2 million — 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.
This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM.
