TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that more than $8.7 million will be awarded to nine small and rural communities in Florida through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These funds will be utilized for housing and community development activities, furthering the state’s commitment to economic growth and recovery. This investment builds upon the $87 million already allocated for 123 community development projects in Florida since 2019.
“I am happy to announce these awards for nine small and rural communities — four of which are actively recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Idalia,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Strategic investments like these help expand economic opportunities for families and strengthen our rural communities.”
The Florida Small Cities CDBG program, administered by FloridaCommerce and allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to support economic development initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and commercial revitalization.
Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly expressed his support for Governor DeSantis’ dedication to community revitalization and economic development initiatives in small and rural communities across the state. “FloridaCommerce is proud to partner with the communities receiving awards today to help them offer their residents the brightest future possible,” said Secretary Kelly.
The following communities will receive awards through the Florida Small Cities CDBG program:
– City of Blountstown ($440,764) – for street repaving and drainage improvements within city limits.
– City of Bristol ($649,881) – for water line replacement activities.
– Town of Mayo ($650,000) – for the rehabilitation or replacement of homes inhabited by low to moderate-income individuals.
– City of High Springs ($700,000) – for stormwater and drainage improvements, including the construction of drainage swales, installation of culvert pipes, and a new pump station.
– City of Gretna ($700,000) – for improvements to the wastewater treatment facility and street repaving.
– Town of Monticello ($700,000) – for the replacement of aging components in the city’s Shady Lane Sanitary Sewer Lift Station.
– City of Williston ($700,000) – for improvements to the sanitary sewer lift station.
– Town of Hillard ($700,000) – for the replacement of water lines and installation of fire hydrants.
– Washington County ($3,482,300) – for roadway access, water improvements, fire protection, public parking enhancements, and improvements to a railroad spur, with the project expected to create 100 new full-time jobs.
These investments will not only address infrastructure needs but also contribute to job creation and economic growth within the communities.
For more information about the Florida Small Cities CDBG program, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org/SmallCitiesCDBG.
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To learn more, click on this link: https://www.flgov.com/2023/10/06/governor-ron-desantis-awards-more-than-8-7-million-to-nine-small-and-rural-florida-communities-for-community-development/
