Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday awarded $9.2 million from the state’s Job Growth Grant Fund to three communities hit last year by Hurricane Idalia.
Money from the fund is available for infrastructure improvements and workforce training.
The awards announced Thursday are $2.2 million for a wastewater plant in Suwannee County; $1.999 million for expansion of a road known as Bisbee Loop in Madison County; and $5 million for construction of a 10,000-square foot advanced manufacturing teaching facility at Big Bend Technical College in Taylor County.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Warns Criminals Who Expect To Wreak Havoc During Spring Break
Lawmakers on Friday are expected to pass a fiscal 2024-2025 budget that includes $75 million to replenish the Job Growth Grant Fund.
Additionally, the Governor announced $50 million through the Hurricane Idalia Recovery Grant Program to assist impacted communities with building repairs, debris removal, and infrastructure projects, and $6.8 million through the Florida Department of Transportation to assist rural counties with road resurfacing and widening projects.
“Today’s awards build on Florida’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and workforce development opportunities that attract businesses and fuel local economies,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These investments are even more important following Hurricane Idalia as we invest for the long term in Florida’s Big Bend region.”
Read: Florida Man Nabbed By Police After ‘Exposing’ Himself To Elderly Women, One At Walmart
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, key investments like today’s awards announcement focus on Florida’s future by supporting site-ready infrastructure that inspires new business growth,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Strategic investments in key infrastructure growth paired with Florida’s booming talent pipeline makes it possible for businesses to relocate and expand in Florida—benefitting Florida’s economy and the families in these communities for years to come.”
These JGGF awards will help complete projects that were put on hold following Hurricane Idalia and create more than 390 new high-wage jobs and 180 new advanced manufacturing-trained graduates in North Florida.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.