CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis awarded funds for workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). Awards were made to Citrus County, Cross City, and Cedar Key for projects aimed at completing critical infrastructure and strengthening rural economies.
“Today’s award will help to attract high-demand, high-wage jobs and businesses to the Nature Coast community,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This strategic investment will benefit the businesses, job seekers, and local economies of Citrus County, Cross City, and Cedar Key.”
“I’m grateful for Governor DeSantis’ investment in these catalytic projects for Citrus, Dixie and Levy Counties,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “The Governor’s awarding of these funds will help elevate Citrus, Dixie and Levy County leaders’ vision for bringing high-wage, high-demand jobs to their communities.”
Citrus County will receive $2.8 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for infrastructure improvements to build a wastewater line that will serve Holder Industrial Park. This project is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and between 1,000 and 2,000 indirect jobs in manufacturing, warehousing, and industrial sectors. The park's completion is estimated to increase Citrus County’s Gross Domestic Product by $367 million annually.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District will receive $2.5 million from the Rural Infrastructure Fund Award to rehabilitate six sewer lift stations within Cedar Key city limits. The Town of Cross City will receive $620,000 for water quality testing, evaluating existing potable wells, preparing an action plan for repairing existing wells, and potentially siting a new well.