ST. PETERSBURG, FL — This week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced $2,290,288 in community project funding for two stormwater projects designed to cut costs and protect St. Petersburg residents, roadways and property from frequent flooding. St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City Council Members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Brandi Gabbard and community leaders cheered the local investments.

Castor secured the investments through federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) on behalf of the City of St. Petersburg. The projects will upgrade aging drainage infrastructure in two flood-prone areas, improve emergency access and public safety during storms and strengthen the city’s long-term resilience as heavy rainfall and tidal flooding become more frequent.

View photos from the press conference here.

“Tampa Bay families should not have to worry that a heavy rainstorm will flood their street, damage their property or cut them off from their neighborhood,” said Castor. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these federal investments because protecting our neighbors from flooding requires reliable, modern infrastructure. These projects will help keep important roadways open, move stormwater more effectively and make our community safer and more resilient for years to come.”

Castor community projects include:

• MLK Street South Flooding Alleviation — $1,145,144: The project will elevate and improve Martin Luther King Jr. Street South between 30th Avenue South and 36th Avenue South, where flooding can make the roadway impassable during heavy rainfall. The funding will also expand stormwater culverts to improve drainage capacity and reduce roadway flooding under current and future conditions.
• 88th Avenue North and 4th Street North Storm Drainage Improvements — $1,145,144: The project will address recurring street flooding near a tidally influenced stormwater outfall. Planned improvements include replacing and enlarging stormwater conveyance systems, installing new inlets and underground piping, and adding stormwater storage. Green infrastructure will be incorporated where feasible to reduce runoff and improve water quality.

Together, the projects will reduce the risk of roadway and structural flooding, protect nearby homes and businesses, improve access for residents and emergency responders during severe weather, and increase the reliability of St. Petersburg’s stormwater system.

Castor secured $19,607,288 for 15 community priority projects across Tampa Bay through the FY 2026 federal appropriations. These investments will lower costs, expand affordable housing, strengthen flood mitigation, improve transportation, create workforce training opportunities in trades and expand services for students, young people, veterans and military families.

A full list of Castor’s funded community projects is available here.