Pasco County Approves Over $235M for Disaster Recovery Infrastructure, Including Federal Hurricane Relief

Pasco County Approves Over $235 Million for Disaster Recovery and Future Resiliency

Pasco County's Board of County Commissioners approved a significant investment of $235.4 million for the Better Future Infrastructure & Mitigation Program (IMP). This funding, which includes over $147 million in federal disaster relief, addresses damage from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton, and strengthens the county's resilience against future storms.

This second phase of Pasco's Better Future Program focuses on 20 countywide projects. The investment prioritizes three key areas: Critical Infrastructure, Public Facilities, and Mitigation/Cost Share.

Comprehensive Plan for Recovery and Resilience

The Critical Infrastructure category receives $122.3 million for nine projects. These include drainage improvements, conversions from septic to sewer systems, and enhancements to road and bridge access, alongside traffic safety measures and lift station elevations.

Public Facilities will see $67.6 million allocated across six projects. This funding supports a new senior services center, hardening existing libraries, and establishing an east side shelter and services center. It also covers transit evacuation operations and expansions/renovations for Pasco Hope.

Mitigation and Cost Share efforts receive $31.1 million for five projects. These initiatives focus on stormwater improvements, installing a generator at the detention center, protecting lift stations, and hardening critical facilities throughout the county.

Historic Investment in Pasco's Future

Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chair Jack Mariano emphasized the program's importance. "This is what building a Better Future looks like," Mariano stated. "This nearly quarter-billion-dollar generational investment is a remarkable chance to turn recovery into resilience – reducing future risk, protecting our neighborhoods and making sure Pasco is stronger and better prepared when the next storm comes."

Background

The Infrastructure & Mitigation Program forms part of a larger initiative utilizing nearly $586 million in federal funding. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program, designed to aid communities in their recovery efforts.

What Happens Next

Residents can learn more about Pasco’s Better Future initiative, including detailed project descriptions, by visiting mypas.co/BetterFuture.