Washington, D.C. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced today that, with the passage of three appropriations bills in the House, he has secured $14,625,000 in federal grant funding for multiple critical infrastructure, public safety, education, and research projects across Florida's 12th Congressional District. The funding is included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations, Energy and Water Appropriations, and Interior Appropriations packages.

"These investments reflect my commitment to delivering results for our communities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely," said Congressman Bilirakis. "These projects were identified by local government leaders as priority unmet needs. From improving public safety and protecting public health to strengthening water infrastructure and advancing lifesaving medical research, they have the potential to make a lasting, meaningful impact across our district-once these bills are approved by the Senate and signed into law."

The Bilirakis-sponsored projects included in these appropriations bills are:

1. Hernando County Sheriff's Office Advanced Forensics Tools and Equipment Upgrades-$2.875 million to support state-of-the-art digital and biological forensic tools, strengthening investigative capabilities and enhancing community safety amid evolving criminal tactics.
2. Citrus County Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications System Enhancements- $3 million to replace aging mobile and portable radios with advanced, interoperable communications technology, improving situational awareness, security, and reliable communication among first responders during emergencies and all-hazards events.
3. Pasco County School Board Safety Enhancements-$1.75 million to deploy weapons detection software and additional security cameras across all 100 Pasco County school campuses, allowing the district to proactively address threats and enhance student and staff safety.
4. Pasco County Chlorine Booster Stations Project-$750,000 to support design, engineering, inspection, testing, and construction of three chlorine booster stations. This project will reduce water waste, ensure regulatory compliance, protect public health, and support Pasco County's goal of operating infrastructure systems in a safe, compliant, and cost-efficient manner.
5. City of Brooksville Wastewater Infrastructure Planning-$1 million for engineering and design to expand the wastewater treatment facility to handle up to 5 million gallons per day. With rapid growth projected to push capacity limits by 2028-2029, this funding represents a critical first step toward long-term sustainability and environmental protection.
6. Citrus County Lift Station Improvements-$750,000 to improve wastewater system reliability and environmental protection through critical lift station upgrades.
7. City of Crystal River Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements-$750,000 to enhance system performance and protect local waterways.
8. Hernando County Centralized Sewer System-$750,000 to help construct lift stations needed to decommission outdated RV sewer treatment package plants and connect them to a centralized sewer system, improving efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.
9. University of South Florida Molecular Profiling Center for Brain Research-$2 million to support the purchase and installation of advanced single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics and related research instruments. These technologies will accelerate research into Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders, including studies focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and vascular dementia among Veterans.
10. Pasco County Sheriff's Office Human Performance Program-$1 million to enhance equipment and technology that support deputy wellness, physical readiness, and injury prevention-reducing downtime, improving quality of life for deputies, and ensuring continued effective service to the community.

"These projects represent mission-critical investments that strengthen public safety, protect public health, support students, safeguard our environment, and prepare our communities for future growth," Congressman Bilirakis added. "While these bills have passed the House, the funding is still contingent on Senate approval and the President's signature. I will continue working to ensure our district receives its fair share of federal resources and that these funds are spent responsibly and effectively."

In addition to these projects, Congressman Bilirakis previously secured $750,000 in federal grant funding for the City of Inverness to purchase a ladder fire truck, which was previously signed into law.