Lawson funds more than $14 million in local projects

Special to the Outlook

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Al Lawson voted to fund $14,894,171 in Community Project Funding that he previously secured for his district. This funding, included in the appropriations government funding package, responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in his area.

“I am incredibly pleased to vote for $14,894,171 in Community Project Funding in this bill that I know will have a profound impact on Congressional District 5,” Lawson said. “These investments support underserved areas and foster economic development, making a real difference in the lives of so many in our community. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, stronger, and even more resilient.”

Rep. Lawson championed funding for eight projects that will directly benefit District 5 residents. They include:

• $1,125,000 for Cherry Lake 4H Center – Madison, Fla.
• $1,000,000 for Concord School Restoration – Leon, Fla.
• $2,000,000 for the expansion of Eugene Lamb, Jr. Recreation Center– Midway, Fla.
• $2,000,000 for White Harvest Farms and Market Project – Jacksonville, Fla.
• $2,000,000 for Community and Veteran Empowerment Center – Jacksonville, Fla.
• $4,669,171 for Gadsden County W.S. Stevens High School Disaster Shelter 
• $1,600,000 for Leon County for Lake Henrietta storm water facility
• $500,000 for the Community Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., to increase access to and improve quality of mental health, healthcare, and substance use disorder treatment services.

 The 12-bill government funding package will help middle class families with the cost of living, create American jobs, supports the vulnerable, and works to help small businesses and restaurants that are key to the district’s economic future. Taken together, the funding for District 5 and the funding increases for critical government programs will reverse decades of disinvestment in our communities and strengthen our nation.

The legislation was expected to be voted on by the Senate and signed into law by President Biden last week.

 For 2022, the bill provides $728.5 billion in discretionary spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above 2021. The passage of the budget ensures the Florida State University and Florida A&M University projects will have available funding approved through the National Defense Authorization Act projects.