Twelve rural communities in Northwest Florida will see infrastructure improvements and community development planning thanks to over $8.8 million in grants, the governor’s office announced this week.
Most of the funding comes from the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by FloridaCommerce.
The other source of funding is the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program, which helps communities create plans to address local economic issues.
“I was pleased to announce more than $8.8 million in funding for critical infrastructure and community development projects in 12 small and rural Florida communities,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “These Community Development Block Grant awards will help improve water and wastewater systems, stormwater infrastructure, roads, and workforce housing. These investments promote long-term economic growth that will help rural Florida families thrive for many years to come.”
The City of Blountstown was awarded over $1.1 million to make improvements to its aging wastewater collection and treatment facility, the governor’s office said.
The City of Bonifay got $1.5 million to build utility infrastructure improvements through the Decon Road Sewer Extension project.
Over $786,000 was awarded to the City of Bristol for fixing potable water issues with the Shuler Lane well and waterline replacement project.
The City of Gretna was awarded more than $1.2 million to improve its wastewater treatment facility and address paving and roadway issues along 6th Street.
Franklin County will improve water and sewer infrastructure and fund planned workforce housing with the more than $1.7 million it received.
Liberty County’s over $1.2 million grant will fund improvements to the Bristol Boat Ramp roadway to provide primary access to the Apalachicola River.
The Town of Malone got $622,375 to rehabilitate two potable water wells and also make improvements to its public water system.
Five communities received $75,000 each from the CPTA Grant Program.
The Apalachee Regional Planning Council will use the grant for a Regional Vertiport Study for Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.
The City of Chipley is using the grant to fund an Economic Readiness and Planning Implementation Strategy.
The City of Freeport is updating its Comprehensive Plan to include long-term industrial and commercial development.
Holmes County is using its $75,000 grant to develop its GIS and Public Planning Map and the Town of Century is developing a hydraulic model of its municipal drinking water system.
“Strong infrastructure and thoughtful community planning are essential to creating opportunities in Florida’s small and rural communities,” said Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, these investments will help communities address critical water, wastewater, roadway and infrastructure needs while strengthening economic readiness and long-term resiliency. These projects give local leaders the resources they need to build stronger communities, support businesses and create greater opportunities for Floridians.”
