FloridaCommerce has announced the allocation of $7 million in funding to military communities across the state through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. This initiative supports infrastructure projects that impact the military value of installations within Florida.
"Governor DeSantis’ focus on military infrastructure continues to secure Florida’s position as the most military friendly state in the nation," stated Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Today’s awards impact Florida military bases statewide, bolstering their surrounding communities for generations to come."
Since 2019, over $21.2 million in grants have been distributed to enhance infrastructure and stimulate local economies within these communities.
The Defense Infrastructure Grant Program aims to improve local infrastructure by addressing issues such as encroachment, transportation, housing, utilities, communications, environment, and security needs. The funds are designated for projects that benefit both local communities and military installations.
Specific awards include:
- City of Niceville: $396,800 for designing a proposed Range Fire Station and Fire Rescue Emergency Equipment Storage Facility.
- City of Key West: $1,000,000 for completing the Bahama Village Community Center Resilience Hub project.
- Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade, Inc.: $3,000,000 for encroachment protection near Homestead Air Reserve Base.
- Polk County: $500,000 to limit incompatible development near Avon Park Air Force Range.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners: $495,000 for property acquisition supporting density reduction near Naval Air Station Pensacola.
- Clay County Development Authority: $500,000 to address access and security infrastructure needs.
- City of Pensacola: $608,200 for acquiring land to develop affordable housing near Naval Air Station Pensacola.
- Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners: $500,000 for constructing a security portal at Naval Air Station Whiting Field runways.
Further details about these programs can be found through FloridaCommerce's resources.