Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $18 million in grants to boost Florida’s storage capacity for aggregate materials used in infrastructure projects, as part of a $100 million initiative to strengthen the state’s supply chain for construction materials over the next five years.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday awarded $18 million in grants to increase Florida’s storage capacity for aggregate materials used in infrastructure projects. The funding is part of a $100 million initiative over five years to strengthen the state’s supply chain for construction materials like asphalt and concrete.

The first five projects will add 1.2 million tons of aggregate storage and expand rail access to support infrastructure projects under the Moving Florida Forward initiative.

“These grants will help our state boost capacity and ensure vital materials reach projects on time,” DeSantis said in Bradenton.

Grant recipients include $3.7 million to Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad to build a new terminal in Lake City, adding 200,000 tons of storage annually; $1.5 million to Capital Asphalt for a new terminal in Tallahassee to accommodate 80,000 additional tons; $3.9 million to CSX for a terminal in Plant City, creating 20 acres of storage and 250,000 tons of capacity annually; $6.2 million to Port of Tampa Bay to construct a terminal with capacity for 500,000 tons of limerock; and $2.6 million to JAXPORT to increase rail capacity and add 240,000 tons of storage annually.

According to a press release issued by the Executive Office of the Governor, the state prioritized projects based on cost, location, and how quickly they can be completed.

“A strong supply chain is key to Florida’s economic strength. We can’t rely on Washington—we need Florida-based solutions,” DeSantis said.