Castor announces major investment for High Speed Rail and community redevelopment
Tampa,
Oct 21, 2010 -
Today, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL 11) announced $1.18 million was awarded to the City of Tampa for a U.S. Housing and Urban Development Sustainable Community Challenge Grant. The grant allows the City of Tampa to develop a detailed corridor master plan for the area along Nebraska and Hillsborough Avenues, including a new downtown high speed rail station. Castor was joined by Mayor Pam Iorio, Ed Jennings, Southeast Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson for the announcement today at Tampa Union Station.
"Today’s announcement is an important step in revitalizing this important historic neighborhood and bringing new jobs to our community," Castor said. "The Tampa Bay area continues to attract vital investments through partnerships and collaboration and hard work."
Castor has worked to promote high speed rail as a way to bring jobs to our region and to spur economic development in our communities. Florida has received $1.25 billion to build a high-speed rail line linking Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando. The City’s new plan will include a detailed station area plan for the High Speed Rail Station, scheduled to begin construction by the end of 2013 and in operation by 2015. The new station is near the new Encore community that is under construction today.
"The new high speed rail station and related improvements will generate positive economic effects from Downtown, to East Tampa, to Seminole Heights, Ybor, and Tampa Heights," Castor said. "Today we are laying the groundwork for work that will bring hundreds of jobs right here."
In January of this year, the Tampa Housing Authority was awarded $38 million to revitalize the Central Park Village area. Rebuilding the area will raise property values, put hundreds of families into safe, affordable housing and create new employment opportunities.
"With important investments like the Encore project, High Speed Rail, and now this comprehensive plan, it is clear that the Tampa Bay area is committed to creating and supporting affordable and sustainable communities for generations to come," Castor said.
The City of Tampa was awarded $1,181,250 through the Sustainable Community Challenge Grant. HUD and the Department of Transportation awarded 62 projects nationwide. The City of Tampa is the only recipient in the State of Florida.
