Governor Ron DeSantis has announced $20 million in awards to small county governments and rural municipalities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). Awards were made to 17 communities for projects that will complete critical infrastructure and strengthen rural economies.

“Florida is committed to supporting our rural communities and providing the resources they need for economic growth,” DeSantis said. “These investments will support infrastructure improvement, attract businesses and create long-term economic success.”

The following communities will receive funds:

• City of Bonifay: The program awarded $1.2 million to construct drainage improvements to address significant flooding issues at four key locations.
• Cedar Key Water & Sewer District: The program designated $2.5 million to continue rehabilitating 17 lift stations following Hurricane Idalia, which caused significant flooding and operational failures.
• City of Chipley: Chipley was given $295,000 to complete the designing, engineering and survey work needed to extend public sanitary sewer service along Brickyard Road.
• Town of Cross City: The Town was awarded $620,000 to evaluate and improve the Town’s three potable wells and potentially add a fourth to maintain and support the water plant.
• Dixie County: The County was given $300,000 to develop a master plan to improve Cross City Airport’s primary access road.
• Hardee County Industrial Development Authority: The Authority has $1.5 million to construct a centralized parking area in the City of Wauchula to support local businesses, tourism and an ongoing housing project next to the downtown site.
• Indian River State College: The College received $1.5 million to complete property assessment and planning, the first phase in revitalizing the Okeechobee School for Boys property. This project is expected to create 10 jobs.
• Jackson County Board of County Commissioners: The Board was given $1.7 million to enhance the public sewer system along US 231 by rehabilitating the Barber Road Lift Station.
• Town of Lee: The Town received $1.1 million to complete construction and construction engineering inspection for upgrades to the waterline that will service the Madison County Industrial Park. This project is expected to create 40-50 jobs.
• City of Live Oak: Live Oak was awarded $559,365 to rehabilitate an existing lift station with new equipment and infrastructure to increase capacity, improve reliability and support City growth.
• City of Marianna: The City was given $1.7 million to facilitate upgrades to a municipally owned facility, including a drive-in ramp that is compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an additional roll-up door, relocation of ceiling obstructions and compliance with the Florida Life Safety Code for buildings. This project is expected to create 110 jobs.
• City of Perry: Perry was awarded $1.4 million to demolish and build a lift station to help prevent sanitary sewer overflows and mitigate risks from obsolete equipment.
• Sebring Airport Authority: The Authority received $600,000 in two allocations to support critical infrastructure projects. One allocation will fund the design and permitting for improvements to Carroll Shelby Drive, the primary road in the Logistics Park at Sebring Regional Airport. The other allocation will support drainage enhancements and resurfacing for Webster Turn Road, also in the Logistics Park.
• Town of Sneads: Sneads was given $84,500 to make urgent repairs to the City’s water system.
• Wakulla County: The County was awarded $4.5 million to acquire land, design, permit and conduct land improvements to support the County’s efforts to obtain property and construct a facility that will be leased to Project Boomer and support the County’s active pipeline project. This project is expected to create 42 jobs and retain 79 jobs.
• Washington County: The County received $67,500 to conduct a feasibility study to analyze infrastructure and environmental factors that will determine the County’s readiness for commercial development.
• City of Wauchula: Wauchula was given $441,125 to provide comprehensive expansion and resurfacing improvements to Hogan Street, connecting Highway 17 South and Highway 17 North. This project is expected to create 40 jobs.

The RIF program supports the planning and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities to drive growth and attract businesses. This year, FloridaCommerce received a record 93 applications requesting over $115 million. The entire $20 million allocated to the program has been awarded. Since 2019, the program has awarded over $90 million.

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said, “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to prioritize our rural communities. These strategic, targeted investments are focused on job creators. These funds will immediately create new jobs and ready sites for new business in the heart of Florida for generations to come.”

For more information on the Rural Infrastructure Fund, click here.