Fiscal Year 2025 Community Projects

For transparency, members must post Community Project Funding requests, federal nexus documents, and a certification of no financial interest on their house.gov websites at the end of the technical assistance period.  

The information included: 

• The proposed recipient 

• The address of the recipient 

• The amount of the request 

• A short explanation of the request 

• Federal Nexus and financial disclosure statement 

Projects Requested: 

The projects Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson has submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations on behalf of her community are listed below. 

(The projects are listed in alphabetical order by project name) 

Project explanation: The need for this project is crucial due to the current bridge rating, safety concerns, and rising maintenance costs. The bridge is a critical designated evacuation route and vital to navigation for the purposes of commerce. If the aging motor that raises the drawbridge becomes inoperable, the USCG will require the bridge remain upright for boat passage. This will also require vehicles to take an alternate route, which at minimum adds 10 miles and is not feasible during an evacuation event. *Estimated start and dates can be provided at a later date - project is currently in the PD&E phase*

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

1. Youth-Police Interaction: Facilitate regular interactions between students and police officers to foster a foundation of trust and respect, and to discuss issues related to community safety and personal development.  

2. Job Preparedness: Organize workshops and seminars that prepare students for the workforce, covering topics such as resume writing, job interviewing techniques, and professional behavior.  

3. Mentorship Programming: Provide in-school mentorship efforts to help build a strong youth. The mentorship will provide guidance, support, and positive influences in their lives to ensure they stay away from criminal activity.  

4. Anti-Gang Initiatives: Deliver targeted activities that educate students on the risks associated with gang affiliation and present positive alternatives.  

The YES Initiative expects to see a reduction in juvenile delinquency and an increase in student engagement with positive community activities. Over the long term, the program aims to reduce the number of young people entering the criminal justice system and to increase the number of students transitioning to successful careers or higher education. 

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter 

Project explanation: The transformation of The Chapman House aims to establish a dynamic youth-focused cultural hub, fostering dialogue, education, and appreciation for the rich history of the people of Miami-Dade County, as well as providing an opportunity to expand their appreciation of the arts. This hub will provide a shared space for visual and performing arts students to exhibit their creations, facilitate professional development for educators, host workshops for parents and community members, and serve as a venue for presentations by nonprofit partner organizations. The Cultural Hub @ the Chapman House will serve as a nexus, connecting the school community with local artists, historians, and cultural organizations, offering a home for diverse and enriching experiences within Miami's vibrant historical context.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: With the heightened occurrence of significant weather events and hurricanes in the southeastern United States, coupled with Miami Beach's status as a premier tourist destination, it's imperative to ensure the city can uphold its commitment to delivering healthcare and emergency services during and after severe weather events.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: To best support whole-system resilience and assess vulnerabilities, the historic Everglades Restoration efforts call for the most modern and advanced monitoring and sensing systems; data measurement and warehousing; development and deployment of nature-based restoration solutions; and collaborative work with South Florida Tribal partners. This request would support the work of the Department of Interior’s Everglades Task Force to leverage existing research partnerships and allow for a) the upgrade and modernization of carbon-flux measurement towers b) deployment of cutting-edge remote sensing and geographic information system c) climate technologies and community engagement hub facility d) creating a central data clearinghouse for data and synthesis across the lifecycle of restoration and quantification of benefits e) research and development in nature-based green-gray solutions and novel methods for restoration and mangrove rehabilitation; d) and intentional collaborative work with the South Florida Tribal partners. The modernization of capacity should also include the use of remote sensing, bathymetric surveying technologies, computational fluid dynamic modeling, artificial intelligence/machine learning and use of surface, underwater and aerial robotics. 

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter 

Project explanation: Miami-Dade County would use these funds to support the construction of a food pantry that will help to address food/nutrition insecurity issues. According to Nicklaus Children's Hospital, the number of Miami-Dade families experiencing food/nutrition insecurity could be as high as 29 percent. Food is a basic necessity, and families that experience food insecurity are often associated with adverse effects on their physical and mental health and has been found to contribute to the development and progression of chronic disease. This food pantry will focus on families with children and will allow families with children who have certain medical dietary needs to access appropriate, healthy, and safe food. Nutrition education will also be provided, and those families will also be eligible to receive help accessing governmental food support including SNAP and WIC. The federal government already funds programs like SNAP and WIC that serve to address food security issues for eligible beneficiaries across the country. Those programs, however, do not always provide for low-income families with children who have specific medical dietary needs. This project will help to bridge that gap in Miami-Dade County.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: The project will (a) provide critically needed infrastructure to address national security issues; (b) is essential to the education of the next generation of industry and scientific leaders; (c) provide pest control solutions for Florida organic and traditional famers, Florida ranchers, U.S. Agriculture, and students; (d) focus on developing, educating, and encouraging underrepresented minority students for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professional skills and careers for Florida and the Nation; (e) build human capacity and academic scholars and provide minority graduates that are highly skilled, well-trained individuals for professional careers in federal, state agencies and private industries; (f) strengthen our nation's entomological capacity, supports the economies of the states of Florida and the Nation; (g) address serious threats posed by invasive pest species to US agriculture, natural resources and public health as it was brought to our intention by growers and community in this challenging climate. 

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter 

Project explanation: The Liberty Square Launchpad: Small Business Incubator represents a strategic use of taxpayer funds, designed to foster significant economic upliftment within the Liberty Square area, Miami (zip code 33147). This initiative focuses on empowering micro-enterprises—commercial ventures with five or fewer employees, including the owner—predominantly situated in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Value to Taxpayers: Investing in the Liberty Square Launchpad is a valuable use of taxpayer funds for several compelling reasons: 1. Community Development and Economic Independence: Micro-enterprises serve as vital cogs in the local economy by providing jobs and fostering economic independence. Supporting these businesses directly contributes to reducing the high rates of unemployment and poverty prevalent in the area. 2. Job Creation and Economic Revitalization: By assisting the inception and growth of new businesses, the incubator stimulates local economic activity and job creation. Successful businesses cultivated within the incubator environment are likely to contribute to a diversified and resilient local economy. 3. Alignment with Government Policies: The incubator aligns with governmental economic development goals, facilitating broader policy objectives of job creation and economic stability. 4. Proven Return on Investment: Studies, such as those by the National Business Incubator Association, demonstrate that incubated companies boast a significantly higher survival rate than non-incubated ones—87% compared to 44% after five years. This success translates into increased tax revenues and reduced social welfare burdens.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: Mia Casa offers a setting and provides services that cater to the particular needs of vulnerable and often frail senior citizens experiencing homelessness. Expanding housing targeted to those on the streets and in shelters, many of whom are disabled and elderly and have little to no income, will help create the system capacity needed to permanently house those on Miami-Dade's streets, and ensure they do not return to homelessness. Since Mia Casa was acquired: More than 120 persons are served daily; 280 lives impacted 135,000 warm meals provided 400 medical appointments not missed 45,000 nights not on the streets 840 benefits obtained or restored 8% reconnected with family 25% moved to other permanent housing.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: This funding will support the essential infrastructure needed to renovate and revamp the MDC School of Justice Training Center at the Miami Dade College North Campus, situated near the City of Opa-locka. The goal is to upgrade the center into a cutting-edge training facility, thereby prolonging its functionality and contributing to the rapid development of this emerging city into a vibrant neighborhood complex. This project is in harmony with the city's other investments aimed at enhancing the surrounding area. This project will create workforce training facilities for officers' de-escalation training. In addition, it will fund the development of facilities for trainings in Autism & De-Escalation of Incidents Involving Individuals In Crisis (ICAT) & De-Escalation Techniques For Criminal Justice Officers (SI).

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: The Youth Empowerment and Safety Initiative (YES Initiative) is a comprehensive program spearheaded by the school’s police department, aimed at preventing youth crime in high-risk middle and high schools. This initiative promotes positive youth-police interactions, enhances job preparedness, and offers mentorship to steer students away from gang and criminal activities.  

1. Youth-Police Interaction: Facilitate regular interactions between students and police officers to foster a foundation of trust and respect, and to discuss issues related to community safety and personal development.  

2. Job Preparedness: Organize workshops and seminars that prepare students for the workforce, covering topics such as resume writing, job interviewing techniques, and professional behavior.  

3. Mentorship Programming: Provide in-school mentorship efforts to help build a strong youth. The mentorship will provide guidance, support, and positive influences in their lives to ensure they stay away from criminal activity.  

4. Anti-Gang Initiatives: Deliver targeted activities that educate students on the risks associated with gang affiliation and present positive alternatives.  

The YES Initiative expects to see a reduction in juvenile delinquency and an increase in student engagement with positive community activities. Over the long term, the program aims to reduce the number of young people entering the criminal justice system and to increase the number of students transitioning to successful careers or higher education. 

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter 

Project explanation: The proposed one-stop shop for veterans in Miami Gardens represents a vital investment in the well-being and future of those who have served our nation. This initiative, leveraging a budget of $5 million, is designed to significantly streamline access to essential services for veterans, removing the typical barriers they face in navigating various support systems. By consolidating services such as job training, mental health counseling, legal aid, and more, we ensure that veterans receive the comprehensive support they are owed, effectively utilizing taxpayer funds for a high-return investment in human capital. Experience from established one-stop shops shows that these centers greatly enhance veterans' ability to access benefits, reduce administrative overhead, and foster stronger community ties. For instance, the Veterans Support Program by the U.S. Department of State and the Veterans Navigation Center in California both highlight the success of providing centralized services that help veterans navigate complex systems to access the benefits they have earned, which has been instrumental in improving their quality of life (Federal Times) (Vets Nav Center). Furthermore, facilities like the Lacey Veterans Services Hub have demonstrated the positive impact of such centers on local communities by offering targeted support that addresses specific needs such as housing, financial assistance, and employment, all of which contribute to reducing veteran homelessness and promoting successful reintegration into civilian life (Lacey Veterans Services Hub). This project is not just a valuable use of taxpayer funds; it's a necessary step in fulfilling our nation's promise to those who have served. It offers a strategic approach to veteran support, ensuring that our veterans not only survive but thrive in their post-service lives.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: This funding will go to the construction and design of a youth center in much needed community in eastern portion of city that has experienced violent and fatal crimes involving youth. This youth center will not only service the City's youth, but youth from surrounding Cities and counties in South Florida. This project will provide benefits to low and moderate-income children. Additionally, this project will address and improve the community's welfare by providing the community's children with a youth center.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: The City of North Miami is seeking funding to supplement the NoMi Food Pantry's food capacity through expanding its physical space. This initiative will benefit residents who rely on City services as it will allow storage adequate amounts of healthy foods for delivery to needy residents. The initiative is led by the City's Housing and Social Services Department in collaboration with the Pantry's community partner, Feeding South Florida. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate needs in North Miami, but establishes a sustainable model for the State of Florida and the Country.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Project explanation: The Washington Park Community Center project is located at 15290 NE 15th CT. North Miami Beach, Fl 33162. This Project focuses of a Community Center Building for public recreational and educational use. This building will include auditorium, meeting room, classrooms, reception area, kitchen, and restrooms. The site amenities will include ADA improvements for accessibility, outdoor recreational amenities tied to the pedestrian pathway, outdoor basketball courts, multi-purpose fields, and landscape and parking improvements. The relocation of utilities will be affected to service this Center’s infrastructure needs including improvement to the drainage around the project site including a new wastewater sewer pump station and forcemain. These improvements will collect the future flow of the surrounding neighborhood and will be constructed as part of this project.

Federal Nexus and Financial Disclosure Letter: Link to the letter

Additional projects will be posted on Friday, May 24, 2024.