Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $23.5 Million to Support Critical Infrastructure in Three Communities

~ Citrus County receives $16.4 million through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program and the City of Newberry and Levy County receive a total of $7.1 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $23.5 million to support critical infrastructure improvements in Citrus County, Levy County and the City of Newberry. Citrus County has been awarded $16.4 million through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Infrastructure Repair Program to improve wastewater infrastructure damaged by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. Levy County was awarded $1.5 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to strengthen water infrastructure, which is also expected to create 120 new jobs in the area.

To support the growing AgTech industry in the state, the City of Newberry has been awarded $5.6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support roadway and water infrastructure improvements at the Newberry F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park. Recently, the Innovation Park announced its first tenant, Harvest Singularity, which will create 50 jobs in the hydroponics industry.

"Florida continues to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our communities strong and competitive," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "By improving wastewater capacity in Citrus County, expanding AgTech infrastructure in Newberry, and modernizing utility systems in Levy County, we are ensuring that these communities have the resources they need to attract new jobs, support business expansion and build long-term economic resilience."

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"These investments are a direct reflection of Governor DeSantis' commitment to strengthening Florida's small and rural communities through critical infrastructure improvements that fuel economic opportunity," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Reliable utilities, updated wastewater systems, and innovative AgTech hubs are essential to helping Floridians recover from recent storms while also supporting new industries and establishing a solid economic foundation for long-range growth."

Citrus County Board of County Commissioners has been awarded through the CBDG-DR Infrastructure Repair Program:

• $16.4 million ($16,435,400) — to support the replacement of a sanitary sewer system following stormwater intrusion and increased flows caused by the 2023 and 2024 storms. Upgrading these systems will expand capacity and help alleviate long-standing constraints on the county's ability to grow, supporting future business development.

The City of Newberry has been awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grand Fund:

• $5.6 million – to support roadway and water infrastructure improvements at the Newberry F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park, further strengthening Florida's leadership in agricultural technology, one of the state's target industries. This follows the recent announcement of Harvest Singularity's investment into the Innovation Park—planting the first of two hydroponic greenhouses next year—and will support job creation, increase economic competitiveness and advance technology innovations that optimize crop production, resource utilization and farmer-focused smart solutions in rural communities. In total, this award will create 790 new jobs in Newberry.

Levy County Board of County Commissioners has been awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund:

• $1.5 million – to strengthen critical water infrastructure in Chiefland—Chiefland and its surrounding rural communities, including Horseshoe Beach and Cedar Key areas were heavily impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. The project, in connection with the development of a new shopping center, will bring nearly 120 jobs and more opportunities for additional business growth supported by 155 acres of enhanced retail, hotel, commercial and residential development to a community in need of economic recovery.

Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded 84 projects totaling more than $297 million and has created nearly 41,000 jobs while providing more than 30,000 workforce education opportunities.

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The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and are chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in Florida communities.

FloridaCommerce administers many U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs which includes the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Disaster Recovery and Mitigation. CDBG-DR Infrastructure Repair funding helps communities harden infrastructure and critical facilities to prevent losses from future disasters.

To learn more about the Job Growth Grant Fund, click here.

To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Infrastructure Repair Program, click here.

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