October 19, 2000

Lively Arts Center Receives Federal Support

Mica Obtains $430,000 in Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-Winter Park) announced today that Congress has approved $430,000 for the design and construction of a Lively Arts Community Center to be located in Daytona Beach. The federal funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2001 VA-HUD Appropriations Act which passed both the House and Senate today.

"This community center will be a major asset to the economic and cultural rebirth of downtown Daytona Beach," Mica said. "In addition to creating jobs and revenue, the Lively Arts Center will provide a valuable education resource for Central Florida’s schools and colleges."

Federal support for the project follows a recent State of Florida legislative appropriation for initial design and planning of the center, which will be located in the heart of Daytona Beach and adjacent to the Halifax River. Additional fundraising efforts have already been undertaken to move forward with this project. Bethune Cookman College, the University of Central Florida, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Stetson University have all committed to support and use of the facility.

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