Rural Florida communities gain nearly $25 million for infrastructure, DeSantis announces

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis disbursed nearly $25 million in infrastructure funding to 16 rural Florida communities Friday.

The governor’s office said the money came through the Rural Infrastructure Fund program, which received $25 million under the current fiscal year’s budget. It falls within the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

The money includes communities impacted Hurricane Michael along with other infrastructure projects.

Of the Michael-impacted communities, Holmes County Board of Commissioners received $4.6 million for water and road improvements, Bonifay gained $1.4 million, Quincy received over $1 million and Blountstown gained around $217,000.

“We are committed to providing Florida’s rural communities with the resources they need to support long-term economic growth,” DeSantis said. “These investments will improve infrastructure, attract new businesses and accelerate Florida’s unprecedented growth.”

Columbia County received $5 million for traffic improvements, Perry gained $4.7 million for water treatment, Baker County gained $3 million for infrastructure, and Arcadia got $1.7 million for water main lines.

Other awards upwards of $400,000 went to various other cities and counties to bolster local infrastructure for roads, water treatment, water lines and more.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s rural communities are flourishing and continue to receive valuable funding for infrastructure and workforce projects,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. 

“Today’s awards build off more than $20 million awarded this calendar year through the Rural Infrastructure Fund. We look forward to working alongside the Governor to continue growing Florida’s rural communities,” he said.