Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an additional $2.1 million in funding for military-supporting infrastructure in Florida through the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program. This initiative aims to bolster infrastructure projects and stimulate economic growth within the state's military communities.
"Florida is committed to investing in our military’s capacity and in military communities," stated Governor DeSantis. "These funds continue my mission of making Florida the most military-friendly and veteran-friendly state in the nation."
Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly remarked, "Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida is continuing to support critical projects that further strengthen military readiness. These awards will have impacts across the state, building on past investments and further cementing the bond between our defense communities and military installations."
Since 2019, nearly $6.3 million has been allocated to Florida's military communities under this program.
The grants are distributed to local governments or economic development organizations with ties to a local government hosting a military installation. Specific allocations include:
- One Okaloosa Economic Development Council: $122,500 for strategies supporting local military installations and diversifying the economy with STEM-based industry.
- Bay Defense Alliance: $90,530 for developing existing missions and pursuing new defense missions.
- Orlando Economic Partnership: $250,000 for supporting military technology development and small business involvement in simulation projects.
- Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast: $106,500 for a Wastewater Treatment Plant plan at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission: $250,000 for developing facilities for cyber assets near Corry Station.
- Bay County: $220,000 for an Area Development Plan adjacent to Naval Support Activity Panama City.
- Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners: $250,000 for a master plan guiding a land swap with the Navy.
- Clay County Economic Development Corporation: $230,000 leveraging opportunities from First Coast Expressway construction.
- Tampa Bay Defense Alliance: $85,353 for developing a defense community organization inventory.
- Miami-Dade Beacon Council: $250,000 to diversify the economy around Homestead Reserve Air Base.
- Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners: $250,000 for redevelopment specifications at Young-Rainey STAR Center.
For more details on these programs, visit the Office of Military and Defense webpage.