Florida governor invests nearly $5 million to support water infrastructure upgrades
(UC) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced $4.9 million in infrastructure investments last Thursday to eight rural Northwest Florida communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) program. Awards include upgrading water and wastewater utilities, constructing public roadways and public building renovations. These awards will support business growth in Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington counties.
“When we invest in infrastructure improvements, we are building a foundation of success for Floridians in our rural communities,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “These investments will attract and expand business opportunities, facilitate the creation of good-paying jobs, and diversify local economies which will strengthen Florida Panhandle communities for generations.”
In 2022, the Legislature appropriated $30 million for eligible communities under the RIF program to assist in economic development projects in rural communities, of which $5 million is specifically for local governments in Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties and all municipalities within their boundaries.
The RIF program is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and provides funding to facilitate the planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities that encourage job creation, capital investment, and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies.
The city of Cottondale will receive $300,000 to conduct a study to develop plans and construction cost estimates to upgrade the city’s wastewater treatment plant and spray field that will serve a $50 million business expansion project providing more than 50 new jobs.
The town of Alford will receive $285,000 to conduct a study to determine deficiencies in the current drinking water system, and the best options to provide sufficient water supply for the expansion of local business and future business development.
The town of Grand Ridge has been awarded $274,500 to conduct a study to determine and correct deficiencies in the current stormwater system that are causing repetitive flooding of commercial and residential areas. The study will include recommended mitigation actions, preliminary plans, and estimated costs to implement a comprehensive stormwater plan.
Holmes County has been awarded nearly $2 million to extend water and sewer infrastructure for Project Gateway, a new 40,000 square foot travel center creating 120 jobs and a $20 million capital investment in the area.
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