Governor Ron DeSantis has announced more than $38 million in funding for 19 small and rural communities across Florida. The funds come from the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered by FloridaCommerce and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The grants will be used for a range of projects including public infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and commercial revitalization. Since 2019, over $138 million has been awarded to more than 120 communities through this program.
“Our state’s small and rural cities drive key industries, support Florida families, and keep our economy moving,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today in Arcadia, I was proud to announce a new round of strategic investments through this program. These funds will support neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure development in 19 communities throughout Florida.”
J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce for Florida, stated: “Under to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, FloridaCommerce continues to invest in critical infrastructure in Florida’s small and rural communities. These awards strengthen the foundation of these local economies, enhance quality of life and support a more resilient and prosperous future in the heart of Florida.”
Some notable awards include $6.4 million to the City of Arcadia for upgrades to the William Tyson Wastewater Treatment Plant; $5.9 million to the City of Florida City for wastewater system upgrades; $4.5 million to Live Oak for potable water system improvements and home rehabilitation; nearly $2.9 million to Webster for a new master lift station; and $2.8 million to Lake Butler for replacing wastewater pipes.
Other recipients include Port St. Joe ($1.7 million), Green Cove Springs ($1.2 million), Blountstown ($1 million), Liberty County ($1 million), Santa Rosa County ($1 million), Town of Esto ($949,000), and Town of Malone ($912,000). Additional funding is directed toward rehabilitating or replacing homes for low-income families in Hamilton County ($1.5 million), Lafayette County ($1.5 million), Columbia County ($1.2 million), Madison County ($950,000), Hendry County ($900,000), St. Lucie County ($850,000), and Levy County ($750,000).
These investments are intended to improve essential services such as water systems and parks while also supporting job creation efforts at sites like Whiting Aviation Park in Santa Rosa County.
