PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County will receive a historic allocation of $585,704,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to aid in recovery efforts following Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.
The funding, part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-Disaster Recovery program, comes from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, enacted on Dec. 21, 2024.
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U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis played a role in securing the funds, advocating for the inclusion of $12 billion in CDBG-Disaster Recovery funds throughout the legislative process.
On Dec. 24, 2024, Bilirakis formally requested that HUD provide a direct allocation to Pasco County, highlighting the significant needs of low- and moderate-income residents and detailing plans for utilizing the funds.
Pasco County intends to use the $585 million allocation to:
- Implement strategies for affordable replacement housing and repair damaged homes.
- Enhance stormwater infrastructure and improve resiliency against future disasters.
- Support economic development initiatives for small businesses that primarily employ low- to moderate-income residents.
“This amount of funding – over a half billion dollars – is extraordinary,” said Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathryn Starkey. “Thousands of low-income Pasco County residents affected by recent hurricanes could benefit from this assistance, and it will also help us repair storm-damaged infrastructure and improve our community’s resiliency. We can’t thank our federal delegation members enough for helping us secure this historic funding for Pasco.”
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In addition to Pasco County’s direct allocation, Florida will receive $925,394,000 to assist other counties and municipalities not receiving direct funding. Congressman Bilirakis has pledged to work closely with state officials to ensure that residents in Hernando and Citrus counties, also affected by the hurricanes, receive the necessary support.
“The tremendous need in our community as we seek to recover and prevent future loss is undeniable,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “I’ll never stop fighting on behalf of my constituents.”
This funding marks a significant step forward in helping Pasco County rebuild, strengthen its infrastructure, and support its residents and businesses in the aftermath of multiple devastating hurricanes, according to Bilirakis.
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