Manatee County Secures $6 Million in Federal Funding for Major Parks, Transportation and Veterans Projects
Manatee County Government is celebrating the approval of $6 million in federal Community Project Funding included in the newly signed federal appropriations package passed by Congress.
The funding will support three transformative County priorities: expanding recreational trail connectivity, advancing a critical roadway extension in Southwest Manatee County, and building a first-of-its-kind veterans service and memorial campus.
“Thanks to our Congressman Vern Buchanan, these federal investments represent real momentum for Manatee County,” said Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Chair Tal Siddique. “They help us deliver on key community goals — improving quality of life, strengthening transportation networks, and ensuring our veterans and their families have the support they deserve.”
The appropriations package includes $3 million — the full requested amount — for Valor Commons, a veterans service center designed to be a cornerstone of Manatee County’s long-term commitment to those who have served. The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has approved initial plans and design work for a 12,000-square-foot facility which will provide critical services and support resources for local veterans and their families. Valor Commons is being developed as a 24-acre community asset where veterans will be welcomed home, supported in transition, and empowered to thrive through dignity, purpose, and connection.
Manatee County also received $1.5 million toward the Gateway Greenway Rails-to-Trails initiative, a project designed to expand trail access and connectivity from Lincoln Park in Palmetto to Parrish. This Community Project Funding award will help complete planning, design, permitting, and construction for key segments of the greenway, utilizing available county road rights-of-way, the Florida Power & Light railroad track corridor, and utility pathways. The Gateway Greenway will provide safe, accessible recreation and transportation options for residents while enhancing regional trail connections.
The county also secured $1.5 million for the extension of 51st Street West (to be designated as Charlie Kirk Memorial Parkway), a vital transportation corridor connecting 53rd Avenue West to El Conquistador Parkway. The project will initially construct at least two lanes of a future four-lane roadway, including street lighting and bicycle/pedestrian facilities to support multimodal mobility. This extension is expected to enhance economic development, reduce congestion, and strengthen east-west connectivity in the County’s Southwest District.
Manatee County officials expressed appreciation to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL 16) and other federal partners for supporting these local priorities that will improve infrastructure, expand recreation, and strengthen veteran services.
For more information on Manatee County’s capital projects and community initiatives, visitmymanatee.org. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.