Florida is cutting a massive check to help its small towns and rural counties get back on their feet. Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday a $311 million infrastructure package aimed at 37 communities still reeling from a brutal two-year run of hurricanes and tornadoes.
The funding is designed to patch up the holes left by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton, as well as the tornadoes that tore through North Florida in 2024. The bulk of the money is heading to rural areas that often struggle to fund major repairs on their own.
“These infrastructure projects will help make Florida more prosperous, more resilient, and better prepared to weather any storms that may come our way,” DeSantis said during the announcement in Highlands County.
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The money comes from two main pots: federal disaster recovery grants (CDBG-DR) and the state’s Rural Infrastructure Fund. The projects range from the unglamorous but essential—like fixing sewage systems that overflowed during floods—to high-profile safety upgrades, such as new emergency shelters.
Where the Money is Going
While 37 communities are getting a slice of the pie, a few massive projects stand out.
The Peace River Watershed Project in Polk County is securing the largest single chunk of funding—$70 million—to repair water infrastructure and restore habitats that help manage flood risks.
Suwannee County is receiving over $38 million to build a new regional special needs emergency shelter for North Florida, a critical asset for future evacuations.
Other significant awards include:
- Jacksonville Electric Authority: $20 million to redirect wastewater flows to a more reliable treatment facility.
- Citrus County: $16.4 million to replace a sanitary sewer system overwhelmed by storm surge.
- City of Arcadia: Over $22 million combined to widen a stormwater channel and expand its wastewater treatment plant.
- St. Lucie Village: $12 million to build a centralized potable water system.
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Focus on Water and Waste
A common theme across the award list is water management. Many of Florida’s rural systems were pushed to the breaking point by the recent deluge of storms.
For instance, the Village of Indiantown is getting nearly $17 million to replace outdated systems with a new Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant and miles of new transmission mains. Similarly, Avon Park will use $22 million to rebuild its sanitary sewer collection system.
Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly noted that these upgrades are about more than just fixing leaks; they are about economic survival for small towns.
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“Whether it’s upgrading utilities, developing pad-ready manufacturing sites, or improving essential services, these projects help small and rural communities attract job creators,” Kelly said.
Rural Rail and Runways
Beyond storm repair, the state is also using its Rural Infrastructure Fund to spark economic growth. Columbia County picked up $2 million to build rail tracks for the North Florida Mega Industrial Park, while Keystone Heights Airport Authority is using nearly $3 million to extend a runway.
The funding effectively clears a backlog of necessary repairs and modernization projects that many local governments simply couldn’t afford without state intervention.
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