ORLANDO, Fla. — Potential projects that could total $14 million in local expenditures were approved by the House Appropriations Committee, according to a release by Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park Thursday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy sponsored 15 projects that have cleared a major hurdle to becoming law

  • The measures would inject $14 million into local communities

  • Much of the funds will go towards increasing public safety and health

The total amount could be made up of 15 individual measures that are aimed at improving public safety, public health, housing accessibility, transportation, and the environment. If approved, the bills would help to fund the Sanford Police Department, Seminole State College, Seminole County Public Schools, the City of Winter Park, and other local government agencies. 

“From expanding resources for law enforcement to protecting our most vulnerable residents and our environment, these 15 investments will directly impact thousands of people living in our Central Florida community,” said Murphy in the statement. “I am proud that these projects are advancing through the legislative process, and I will keep fighting to get this crucial funding signed into law.” 

The largest expenditures could earmark $5 million toward installing “traffic calming” features, ADA-compliant sidewalks and bicycle paths, as well as other safety upgrades to Corrine Drive. 

Money would also go toward Orange County for a mobile wellness center that will go into underserved areas and increase vaccination rates as well as test for HIV and other diseases. Murphy pointed out that Orange County has the highest rates of new HIV infections in the country. 

Other potential funds would go toward the Nature Convervancy of Florida, the Mote Marine Laboratory, the Habitat for Humanity, and the City of Sanford. 

The measures were approved by the House Committee on Appropriations, which means that each measure has passed approval through their respective committee, and are planned for a floor vote sometime in the next few months. If approved by the House, each measure would need to be approved by the Senate in their entirety before they could be signed by the President. 

U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy represents Florida’s Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes all of Seminole County and much of northern Orange County, including downtown Orlando, Maitland, Winter Park, and the University of Central Florida.