- February 17, 2025
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The University Area Community Development Corp., a public/private nonprofit serving the area near University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, and its partners were recently awarded a $14.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Together with Hillsborough County and USF, the organization plans to use the funds to build an Economic Development Center and make upgrades to infrastructure that is already in place, according to a statement.
"This grant is a transformative step forward for the University Area community," says Sarah Combs, CEO and executive director of University Area CDC in a statement. "Funding the construction of the Economic Development Center at our Cultural Campus will allow us to deliver critical services and opportunities that empower our residents. Together with USF and Hillsborough County, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient future for our community."
The Economic Development Center will be a hub for workforce development, small business incubation, and essential healthcare services according to the release.
The infrastructure changes include revitalizing brown field properties in the area, revamping stormwater management systems and expanding sewer systems, to name a few.
The University Area CDC, founded 26 years ago with a mission to revitalize the underserved neighborhood where it resides, places emphasis on public engagement. As such, it is organizing three community meetings for the public to discuss the grant and funding: Thursday, Feb. 27, Wednesday, May 28 and Wednesday, Aug. 27. Each session will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Harvest Hope Park, 13704 N 20th St., Tampa.