TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV\/Florida Capital Bureau) – Many rural communities in Florida\u2019s panhandle are getting big financial backing from the state.<\/p>\n
Today Governor DeSantis announced $8.8 million to support a dozen critical infrastructure projects as apart of the federal government\u2019s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.<\/p>\n
This includes funding for wastewater systems, storm water infrastructure, roads and workforce housing. <\/p>\n
DeSantis spoke about these projects could provide for rural counties in North Florida. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s great history there. There\u2019s great culture that has developed in rural Florida, and local communities don\u2019t have the chance to make a lot of decisions, but I think it\u2019s important that we preserve the rural culture of a lot of our great rural communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Governor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
City of Blountstown ($1,185,576)\u00a0\u2013 to implement critical improvements to its aging wastewater collection and treatment facility.City of Bonifay ($1,500,000)\u00a0\u2013 to construct utility infrastructure improvements through the Decon Road Sewer Extension project.City of Bristol ($786,440)\u00a0\u2013 to address potable water issues associated with the Shuler Lane well and waterline replacement project.City of Gretna ($1,257,800)\u00a0\u2013 to implement improvements to the City\u2019s wastewater treatment facility, and paving and roadway improvements along 6th Street.Franklin County ($1,769,250)\u00a0\u2013 to improve water and sewer infrastructure while supporting future workforce housing development.Liberty County ($1,260,540)\u00a0\u2013 to improve the Bristol Boat Ramp roadway, providing primary access to the Apalachicola River.Town of Malone ($622,375)\u00a0\u2013 to rehabilitate two potable water wells and improve the town\u2019s public water system.Apalachee Regional Planning Council ($75,000)\u00a0\u2013 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)\u00a0\u2013 to complete an Economic Readiness and Planning Implementation Strategy.City of Freeport ($75,000)\u00a0\u2013 to update the City\u2019s Comprehensive Plan to support long-term industrial and commercial development.Holmes County ($75,000)\u00a0\u2013 to develop the County\u2019s GIS and Public Planning Map.Town of Century ($75,000)\u00a0\u2013 to develop a hydraulic model of the Town\u2019s municipal drinking water system.<\/p>\n
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