USF Polytechnic to Get $47 Million for New Campus

Artist's rendering of proposed USF Polytechnic campus

Many special projects throughout the state didn't see a dime as state lawmakers struggled to close a $4 billion budget deficit. But a new college campus in Lakeland made the cut.

Money to begin construction of the new University of South Florida Polytechnic campus made it through a week of negotiations between the Florida House and Senate.

The new campus, at the intersection of Interstate 4 and the Polk Parkway, will get $47 million during the upcoming year. The money was pushed through by Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander, of Lake Wales.

Last year, then-Gov. Charlie Crist axed $45 million that had been allocated for the new campus. Alexander says there's no guarantee Governor Rick Scott will allow this year's budget to stand. If the agreement holds, the construction money will be available July 1st.

To view a video of the proposed USF Polytechnic campus, click HERE.