DeSantis allocates $3.5 million for job-boosting infrastructure in Clay County

By Owen Girard

Published Sep. 18, 2023, 4:55 p.m. ET | Updated Sep. 18, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces Suntrax I4 expansion, Jan. 30, 2023. (Photo/Gov. Ron DeSantis' office)

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis granted over $3.5 million to the Clay County Board of County Commissioners from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.

The slated improvements are set to play a pivotal role in propelling job creation within the manufacturing sector. Upon completion, approximately 170 new high-paying positions are expected to be generated, injecting a renewed vigor into the local job market.

“Florida’s freedom-first and business-empowering policies draw manufacturers from across the globe to our state,” DeSantis said. “Today’s infrastructure award will connect the Clay County community with high-wage jobs, bolster Florida’s manufacturing industry, and strengthen the nation’s number one economy.”

Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of the investments.

“The strategic investments made today will ensure that Clay County can continue to grow and thrive at record pace,” he said.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ support, this project builds on past investments in Clay County that create meaningful career opportunities for generations of Floridians and strengthen our state’s economy,” he added.

The recent investment in Clay County adds to a string of strategic allocations. Green Cove Springs received over $250,000 for electrical line infrastructure upgrades, while the Clay County Development Authority secured $500,000 for a road project at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.

An additional $700,000 was directed towards infrastructure enhancements in the City of Green Cove Springs.

The governor’s office explained that since its inception in 2019, the Job Growth Grant Fund has disbursed $142 million, strategically investing in programs that foster robust communities and empower workforce development statewide.

The economic development initiative is tailored to champion public infrastructure and workforce training. Proposals are meticulously reviewed by FloridaCommerce and then picked directly by the governor to address the pressing demands for workforce training and infrastructure in communities across the state.