FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of $20 million in funding for rural communities in Florida through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). The initiative aims to support infrastructure projects that encourage job creation, capital investment, and economic strengthening in these areas. Since 2019, the RIF has awarded over $87 million for 121 projects.
Governor DeSantis’ 2024-2025 budget allocates $15 million for statewide RIF funding and an additional $5 million specifically for Panhandle counties still recovering from Hurricane Michael. These counties include Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington.
Eligible projects under this program encompass improvements to public infrastructure for industrial or commercial sites, upgrades to public tourism infrastructure, and enhancements to inadequate infrastructure that hinder economic or community growth.
Applications are open until Monday, September 16, 2024. FloridaCommerce will also host a webinar on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to provide technical assistance and an overview of the application process.