Governor Ron DeSantis announced that more than $111 million has been awarded to 22 communities through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida General Infrastructure Repair Program for communities impacted by Hurricane Michael.

The program, administered by DEO, is designed to provide funding for local governments to strategically rebuild and harden infrastructure in order to prevent or reduce losses from future disasters. DeSantis made the announcement at a press conference in Panama City on Thursday.

“Hurricane Michael caused catastrophic damage to Northwest Florida and we remain one-hundred percent committed to helping these communities rebuild and recover stronger than before,” said DeSantis. “This Rebuild Florida funding will provide local governments with critical resources to harden their infrastructure and ensure that these communities are as prepared as possible for future disasters.”

WATCH LIVE: Press Conference in Panama City Beach https://t.co/9n9niTUeUK

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 6, 2021

The funds are allocated to the state through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program.

“With Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the Rebuild Florida General Infrastructure Repair Program will ensure that these communities have the resources they need today with an eye toward the future,” said DEO Executive Director Dane Eagle. “By selecting projects that meet important community needs and strengthen infrastructure, we are helping communities to ensure are better able to meet future challenges.”

Some of the communities receiving hurricane relief funds include Panama City ($18,986,552), Marianna ($11,181,000), Port St. Joe ($9,799,572), and Mexico Beach ($5,025,000).

“Thanks to the outstanding leadership of Governor DeSantis and Executive Director Eagle, Northwest Florida is on a path to full recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Michael,” said State Representative Jay Trumbull, who represents House District 6 and serves as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “This critical Rebuild Florida Funding will go a long way in helping our communities bounce back from Michael and be prepared for the inevitable storms to come.”

The Rebuild Florida General Infrastructure Repair Program will provide an additional round of funding in the future for communities designated by HUD or the state as Most Impacted and Distressed by Hurricane Michael.

For a full list of the 22 communities receiving funds through the Rebuild Florida General Infrastructure Repair Program, click here.