$497,040 FOR BETHUNE-COOKMAN; $99,410 FOR DBCC ?ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative John L. Mica (R-Volusia) today announced that several Volusia County academic institutions will receive federal assistance through an omnibus spending measure that was filed in Congress yesterday and nears completion. Bethune-Cookman will receive $497,040 in federal assistance for its Student Union Center, and the Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC) $99,410 for the Advanced Technology Center (ATC)."
Investing in the leaders and workforce of our next generation is one of the most important contributions Congress can make to the future well-being of the United States," Congressman Mica stated.
Located adjacent to some of the oldest public housing units in the United States, Bethune-Cookman has a long history of providing volunteer services to the Daytona Beach community. The Student Union/Community Service Center will enable Bethune-Cookman College to expand their health volunteer service program and better aid local residents seeking satisfactory health care assistance. In addition to $3.2 million in federal support received over the past five years, Bethune-Cookman College has also secured significant private donations to assist in the construction of the Center.
DBCC will receive federal funds to help procure instructional equipment and technology infrastructure for the ATC, located on Williamson Boulevard in northern Daytona Beach. The learning Center is a joint effort between DBCC, Flagler and Volusia County School Districts and local businesses to provide advanced technical training in high-wage and high demand careers. Including the new funds, Rep. Mica has been able to help secure $600,000 in federal assistance to date for the ATC.
The funds are included in an appropriations bill that completes the Federal Government’s budget requirements for Fiscal Year 2004 (FY’04), which began on October 1st, 2003. The measure is now expected to be given final approval in the House on December 8th, by the Senate on Dec. 9th and subsequently to be signed by the President.