The City of Tampa has secured $3 million in federal funding for Fire Station 24, located in the University area. This funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package signed into law by President Trump. Congresswoman Laurel Lee requested the funding on behalf of the city.
In addition, Congresswoman Kathy Castor obtained an extra $250,000 for the West Riverwalk project, bringing total federal investment in that initiative to more than $24 million. The project aims to transform the West Tampa Riverfront and ensure public access for future generations.
“This funding means faster emergency response times for families and students in North Tampa, a growing part of our city,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “We are excited to put this funding to good use, along with the continued investment in the West Riverwalk. This is a transformative project that will give West Tampa families a waterfront they can enjoy for generations. I’m grateful to our congressional delegation for helping bring these dollars home.”
The West Riverwalk is scheduled to reach substantial completion in early 2027 and will provide Tampa with a 12.2-mile continuous pathway along both sides of the Hillsborough River.
Tampa is Florida’s third-largest city with a population of about 392,800 and is known as part of the larger Tampa Bay Area metropolitan region, which includes around 3.1 million residents according to its official website. The city features notable venues such as Raymond James Stadium—home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers—and has developed into a multicultural hub with areas like Ybor City reflecting its Hispanic heritage (official history page).
