Darren Soto

10/04/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Soto Announces $6.2 Million U.S. Economic Development Administration Investment for the Kissimmee Utility Authority

Soto Announces $6.2 Million U.S. Economic Development Administration Investment for the Kissimmee Utility Authority

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October 4, 2024

This EDA investment will help improve KUA's utility infrastructure to support the semiconductor manufacturing industry in Central Florida and will be matched with $7.5 million in local funds

KISSIMMEE, FL - This week, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) announced that the Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) will receive a $6.2 million investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for utility infrastructure improvements to support the semiconductor manufacturing industry in Central Florida. This EDA investment will be matched with $7.5 million in local funds."We are thrilled to see the U.S. Economic Development Administration invest $6.2 million in utilities infrastructure here in Kissimmee, with an additional $7.5 million in local funds," said Congressman Darren Soto. "This investment is a game-changer for our community, as it supports the expansion of the semiconductor manufacturing industry. It not only strengthens our infrastructure but also positions Kissimmee as a hub for innovation, job creation, and economic growth in the region." "Maintaining a reliable power grid is essential to creating opportunities for economic development in Osceola County for generations to come," said KUA President and General Manager Brian Horton. "We look forward to utilizing this significant investment to further enhance our power capabilities to support the innovation that's positioned our region as a growing tech hub." "The City appreciates Congressman Darren Soto's and the U.S. Economic Development Administration's support. Investing in our power supply is crucial for ensuring reliability and efficiency for residents, businesses, and stakeholders," said Kissimmee City Manager Mike Steigerwald. "This funding will drive growth in the City of Kissimmee, positioning our area as a competitive choice for future investments while supporting our commitment to sustainability and enhanced community services."

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022.

Please visit the EDA's Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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