Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $27 million in awards to fourteen small and rural communities for economic growth as part of Florida's Rural Infrastructure Fund while speaking at a press conference in Vernon this week.
The funding includes eight communities in the Panhandle affected by Hurricane Isaias.
“As we continue helping communities recover from Hurricane Isaias, we are also making investments to strengthen rural Florida and support economic growth,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Today in Washington County, I announced $27 million in Rural Infrastructure Fund awards for critical projects in 14 small and rural communities across Florida. We’re also awarding $24.3 million to 12 additional rural communities to invest in infrastructure and economic opportunity. Florida has made tremendous progress recovering from this storm. We are committed to supporting the families, businesses, and communities that have been affected so that they can rebuild in the short term and thrive in the long term.”
Specifically, the funding includes projects for roadway connectivity, enhancing stormwater infrastructure, and renovations to a primary care clinic, rural specialty clinic, and EMS operations in the state.
Panhandle counties receiving funding include.
Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners (2,497,933) - acquires and renovates an existing commercial building near the Calhoun Liberty Hospital to house a primary care clinic, rural specialty care center, and county EMS operations. The project is expected to create about 33 full-time jobs.
Calhoun Commissioners will also receive (1,000,000) for design and engineering, environmental review, and construction engineering and inspection services for a commercial hanger at the Calhoun County Airport. Leftover funds will go to expanding aviation capacity, business recruitment, and job creation.
City of Chipley ($911,980) - toward the Downtown Parking Improvements Project to rehabilitate two existing public parking facilities and build a new public parking area. Funding also includes infrastructure improvements toward tourism and business and community events.
Jackson County Board of County Commissioners ($1,985,500) - for a new access roadway to Endeavor Industrial Park for connectivity, enhance traffic safety, and industrial development. The project includes drainage infrastructure and installation for water, sewer, natural gas, electrical, and broadband utilities.
Jackson Commissioners will also receive (1,970,115) to develop a 13-acre RV park and campground at the Blue Springs Recreational Area.
Washington County Board of County Commissioners ($300,000) - complete a feasibility study for a proposed regional Sports and Entertainment Complex that includes a baseball and softball stadium, lodging, and additional infrastructure.
Washington Commissioners will also receive ($1,436,470.80) for remaining construction and CEI funding gap for the Holmes Valley Gateway Project – Phase II. The project is expected to stabilize and improve approximately 4.07 miles of roadway. In addition, commissioners will receive $2,053,677 for the project from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Additional statewide funding for rural communities will go to the City of Chiefland ($3,500,000), City of Moore Haven ($1,150,501.20), City of Tavares ($300,000), Franklin County Board of County Commissioners ($1,312,500), Gulf County Board of County Commissioners ($3,000,000), Jefferson County ($2,500,000), Putman County Board of County Commissioners ($285,000), Town of Jay ($600,000), Village of Indiantown ($750,000), and Walton County ($3,500,000).
Moreover, Gov. DeSantis announced $499,500 to the Town of Century through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to renovate an existing building and up to code, as well as upgrades to the fire suppression system.
DeSantis also awarded infrastructure improvements to a dozen to small and rural communities in August.
