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Board endorses EDA defense‑tech incubator plan; agrees to $100,000 match from penny fund
Summary
The commissioners endorsed a regional Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application led by Tampa Bay Wave to establish defense‑technology incubators; the board approved a $100,000 local match from the county’s penny sales‑tax economic development allocation.
Pasco County commissioners voted Oct. 7 to endorse a regional EDA grant application that would fund incubators and business support for defense‑technology firms across the Tampa Bay region. The application is led by Tampa Bay Wave, with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties also participating.
David Engle, director of Planning and Economic Development, said a USF study identified defense technology as a promising industry for the region and that the EDA application aims to seed incubators and workforce programs without an immediate county funding obligation. Engle said the county would not be required to provide matching funds as a condition of the endorsement, but companion actions by the board committed a $100,000 local contribution from the county’s penny economic development allocation if the grant progresses.
Commissioner Jack Mariano introduced the motion and the board approved a letter of support that, as finalized, includes a $100,000 match commitment from the county’s penny allocation. Commissioners said the funds would support incubator infrastructure and workforce ties to Pasco’s “ready sites” and industrial land. Staff noted details about how the money would be distributed or administered would return to the board as grant plans mature.
The board’s endorsement lets Tampa Bay Wave submit the application on a schedule with an immediate deadline; commissioners directed staff to file the signed support letter and follow up with required documentation.
