TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Florida Capital Bureau) – Many rural communities in Florida’s panhandle are getting big financial backing from the state.
Today Governor DeSantis announced $8.8 million to support a dozen critical infrastructure projects as apart of the federal government’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.
This includes funding for wastewater systems, storm water infrastructure, roads and workforce housing.
DeSantis spoke about these projects could provide for rural counties in North Florida.
“I think there’s great history there. There’s great culture that has developed in rural Florida, and local communities don’t have the chance to make a lot of decisions, but I think it’s important that we preserve the rural culture of a lot of our great rural communities.”
The Governor’s funding also included $375,000 as part of a future planning grant. This includes $75,000 to the Big Bend for a Regional Vertiport Study.
Here is the full breakdown of all of the projects funded through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program, according to a press release:
City of Blountstown ($1,185,576) – to implement critical improvements to its aging wastewater collection and treatment facility.City of Bonifay ($1,500,000) – to construct utility infrastructure improvements through the Decon Road Sewer Extension project.City of Bristol ($786,440) – to address potable water issues associated with the Shuler Lane well and waterline replacement project.City of Gretna ($1,257,800) – to implement improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment facility, and paving and roadway improvements along 6th Street.Franklin County ($1,769,250) – to improve water and sewer infrastructure while supporting future workforce housing development.Liberty County ($1,260,540) – to improve the Bristol Boat Ramp roadway, providing primary access to the Apalachicola River.Town of Malone ($622,375) – to rehabilitate two potable water wells and improve the town’s public water system.Apalachee Regional Planning Council ($75,000) – to conduct a Regional Vertiport Study for the following counties: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla.City of Chipley ($75,000) – to complete an Economic Readiness and Planning Implementation Strategy.City of Freeport ($75,000) – to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan to support long-term industrial and commercial development.Holmes County ($75,000) – to develop the County’s GIS and Public Planning Map.Town of Century ($75,000) – to develop a hydraulic model of the Town’s municipal drinking water system.
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