U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar has announced the allocation of $25.6 million in federal funding for community projects in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. The funds come through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148), which was signed into law on February 3, 2026.
“This is about keeping my promise to South Florida,” said Rep. Salazar. “Every dollar secured in this bill reflects my commitment to fight for our families, our seniors, our small businesses, and our neighborhoods. I will never stop working to ensure that the taxpayers of FL-27 see their hard-earned dollars come back home, improving safety, strengthening infrastructure, protecting our water, and building a stronger future for our community.”
The newly approved funding covers 13 projects addressing various needs across the district:
– $2.1 million will be used for marked police cruisers to improve response times and neighborhood visibility.
– $1.25 million is allocated to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Violence Reduction Initiative aimed at removing illegal firearms and combating gun violence.
– PortMiami will receive $5 million to expand its refrigerated cargo capacity.
– Another $5 million is set aside for drainage upgrades and roadway elevation in flood-prone areas.
– Stormwater improvements near Key Biscayne’s K-8 School are funded with $2 million.
– Cutler Bay will get $1 million for drainage upgrades.
– Coral Way resurfacing and roadway safety enhancements are allocated $960,000.
– Pinecrest will benefit from $750,000 for storm drainage improvements.
– Florida International University’s Precision Medicine Initiative receives $3.13 million to advance cancer research and individualized treatments.
– A Senior Activity Center in West Miami is supported by a $1 million grant to serve seniors, youth programs, and emergency needs.
– Coastal and marine protection initiatives receive $2 million.
– Converting homes in South Miami from septic systems to sewer service gets a boost of $1 million.
– A hybrid reef shoreline stabilization study in Key Biscayne is funded with $412,500.
This year’s funding builds on previous allocations: In fiscal year 2024, the district received $23.05 million for 14 projects; in fiscal year 2023, it received $23.86 million for 12 projects; and in fiscal year 2022, it received $17 million for eight projects.
Past investments have included flood mitigation efforts and water quality improvements across several communities such as Little Havana, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, South Miami, and Key Biscayne; affordable senior housing; expansion of health centers; mental health services at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital; coral reef restoration; medical center resiliency upgrades; and infrastructure improvements at PortMiami.
Since taking office, Rep. Salazar has secured more than $89 million for a total of 47 community projects within her district.
Rep. Salazar stated her ongoing commitment: “I will never stop working to ensure that the taxpayers of FL-27 see their hard-earned dollars come back home…building a stronger future for our community.”