WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) released a statement following the House’s passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. This appropriations package funds veterans and national security programs and makes cuts to non-defense and non-veterans accounts.

“This continuing appropriations package is a win for Florida’s Second Congressional District. This package includes over 15 MILLION dollars for projects throughout our district,” said Congressman Dunn. “The package also includes full funding for veterans’ healthcare, quality of housing upgrades, and funding for child development centers. It cuts the Department of Defense’s administrative budget and redirects the funding to medical research and VA facilities. Additionally, the package continues critical investments in agriculture research and infrastructure while also cutting $977 million from the Department of Justice and preventing the agency from abusing their power. I’m proud to have voted in support of these improvements that will benefit my constituents, Florida farmers, and our veterans.”

Congressman Dunn fought to include funding for several projects in Florida’s Second Congressional District. Here are some highlighted projects:

• The Choctawhatchee Bay and River Basin Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration study- $500,000
• The primary concern in the Choctawhatchee Bay and River Basin is the degradation of the aquatic ecosystem. The study will restore ecosystem function, structure, and dynamic processes through the restoration of hydrologic and geomorphic processes essential to productive aquatic habitats. The proposed study will restore the natural hydrology, geomorphic conditions, and native plant species.

• Apron Infrastructure Development, 54J, DeFuniak Springs, FL – Phase 2 of Runway 9-27 Expansion- $1,100,000
• This project will safely provide aircraft taxi and parking space and meet growing demands for point-to-point air mobility.

• Panama City Beach Potable Water Redundancy Improvements – Phase 1- $5,000,000
• This project will support improvements in the city’s water supplies and increase resiliency in emergency situations.

• Campbellton Essential Fire Services Equipment - $287,000
• These funds will support the purchase of new fire equipment that is vital to the safety and protection of the town of Campbellton and the surrounding communities. New equipment will support better response time and more efficient service.

• Endeavor Forward, Inc. – $1,500,000
• This project will benefit NextStep at Endeavor Forward, Inc., a program that helps prepare adults on the autism spectrum for life beyond secondary school. They provide education in employment and life skills
  
  
• Midway Police Department Facility- $750,000
• The construction of a new Police Facility in Midway, Florida will be critical to advancing community safety. It will allow law enforcement officials to safely and effectively conduct police operations.
  
  
• TLH Terminal Apron Rehabilitation- $2,700,000
• This Terminal Apron Rehabilitation project will facilitate improvements to a terminal apron at Tallahassee International Airport, including the rehabilitation of the existing concrete pavement and joint seals, improvements to the drainage system, and lighting and electrical improvements. 
  
  
• Monticello Water Line Replacement Project- $350,000
• These funds will go towards the replacement of water lines in Monticello, Florida. This will enhance the community’s ability to deliver healthy drinking water to citizens. The project will replace 50-year-old lines and decrease water outages and lost water.
  
  
• Fords Arm Restoration- $800,000
• This project is for water quality treatment and flow attenuation for stormwater entering Fords Arm of Lake Jackson. The project will provide a combination of attenuation, water quality treatment, and flow way improvements in the contributing basin south and east of Fords Arm.
  
  
• Second Harvest of the Big Bend Impact Center and Capacity Project- $3,000,000
• This project will support a new impact center that will expand food storage capacity and reduce food insecurity in the area.