Gov. Ron DeSantis announced 8.8 million in awards to twelve small and rural communities in Northwest Florida to support essential infrastructure improvements and community development projects while speaking at a press conference in Bonifay this week.
The funding is part of the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant programs.
“This morning in Bonifay, I was pleased to announce more than $8.8 million in funding for critical infrastructure and community development projects in 12 small and rural Florida communities,” DeSantis said. “These Community Development Block Grant awards will help improve water and wastewater systems, stormwater infrastructure, roads, and workforce housing. These investments promote long-term economic growth that will help rural Florida families thrive for many years to come.”
Funding through the CDBG Program will go to the following communities.
- City of Blountstown ($1,185,576) - Improvement to the city's wastewater collection and treatment facility.
- City of Bonifay ($1,500,000) - Utility upgrades to the city's Decon Road Sewer Extension project.
- City of Bristol ($786,440) - Address potable water issues associated with the city's Shuler Lane well and waterline replacement project.
- City of Gretna ($1,257,800) - Improvement to the city's wastewater treatment facility, as well as paving and roadway improvements along 6th Street.
- Franklin County ($1,769,250) - Improvement to water and sewer infrastructure and future workhouse housing development.
- Liberty County ($1,260,540) - Improvement to the Bristol Boat Ramp roadway to provide access to the Apalachicola River.
- Town of Malone ($622,375) - Rehabilitate two potable water wells along with improvements to the town's public water system.
Funding through the CPTA Grant Program will go to the following communities.
- Apalachee Regional Planning Council ($75,000) - Conduct a Regional Vertiport Study for Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties.
- City of Chipley ($75,000) - Complete an Economic Readiness and Planning Implementation Strategy
- City of Freeport ($75,000) - Update the city's Comprehensive Plan for future industrial and commercial development.
- Holmes County ($75,000) - Develop the County’s GIS and Public Planning Map.
- Town of Century ($75,000) - Develop a hydraulic model for the town’s municipal drinking water system.
“Strong infrastructure and thoughtful community planning are essential to creating opportunities in Florida’s small and rural communities,” Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly added. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, these investments will help communities address critical water, wastewater, roadway and infrastructure needs while strengthening economic readiness and long-term resiliency. These projects give local leaders the resources they need to build stronger communities, support businesses and create greater opportunities for Floridians.”
