Gov. Rick Scott announced his veto list for the 2016-2017 state budget Tuesday.
Not on that list -- the $20 million request for funding for the UCF Downtown Orlando campus, slated for Creative Village.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer confirms the money for the campus has been approved.
We did it! @FLGovScott announced today that he'll approve $20 million funding for @UCF Downtown Campus. pic.twitter.com/J5qt6p2iRq
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) March 15, 2016
UCF President John Hitt called the announcement one of the most important milestones in the school's history:
"We appreciate Gov. Scott’s support and his sharing our belief that UCF Downtown will transform the lives of our students and the future of our community. UCF, Orlando and the state will benefit from this decision for decades to come.”
The approval was the final piece in funding and an uncertain one. Gov. Scott vetoed state money for the project last year.
UCF needs $60 million for the downtown campus, which will be built on a 68-acre site that used to be the location of the old Amway Arena.
UCF already has $20 million available in university funds and $16 million available in donations.
The Board of Governors approved the project late last month.
PREVIOUS STORIES
- (March 2, 2016) Florida Board of Governors approves UCF downtown campus
- (March 1, 2016): UCF gets $3 million contribution from Dr. Phillips Charities for downtown campus
- (Feb. 29, 2016): UCF gets $2.5 million in contributions for downtown campus
- (Feb. 8, 2016): Orlando city leaders approve UCF downtown campus deal
- (Dec. 21, 2015): Orlando Magic pledges $1.5M to UCF downtown campus