TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida got a major financial boost to finish up its state-of-the art medical school campus in downtown Tampa.
- Funding would complete Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute
- $12.4 million included in state budget for project
- College of Medicine scheduled to open by December
- More Hillsborough County stories
Florida lawmakers put $12.4 million in the budget this year for the USF project. If the governor signs off on it, the funding would complete the Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Health Institute.
The state has funded the construction over the last several years, but USF System Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Mark Walsh says this year's funding is critical for the medical school.
"It's about 90 percent done," Walsh said. "And had we not received this last $12 million, it would have put a significant delay or shrink what we would be able to build this year. This fully funds it."
Rep. Jackie Toledo said it will pay off not just for Tampa, but the entire region.
"It's going to be an anchor," Toledo said. "I think people will look at USF and people who don't know what USF is or where it's located will now start to look at it as part of our map, and Tampa Bay will be known all over the country."
USF leaders originally requested $15 million to finish up the medical school.
Although the university did not receive all the funding, Walsh said they're hoping to move around dollars to cover the rest.
Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Health Institute is scheduled to open by December of this year.