Press Release

BUCHANAN ANNOUNCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT FOR TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

Washington, DC -- Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today that the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded an Economic Development District Planning grant to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.  The planning council will receive $159,000 in federal funding to help pay for the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.  

“I congratulate the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for submitting a successful grant application,” said Buchanan.  “Although our tourism economy is strong, our real estate market is struggling.  This grant will help diversify and strengthen the economy by encouraging private investment and job creation.”

A new CEDS was developed with both input from public and private sectors and adopted by the council in September of 2007 to address the needs of the entire region.