The Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) will receive a $6.2 million investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for utility infrastructure improvements to support the semiconductor manufacturing industry in Central Florida. This EDA investment will be matched with $7.5 million in local funds.
“Investing in our power supply is crucial for ensuring reliability and efficiency for residents, businesses and stakeholders,” said Mike Steigerwald, City Manager for the City of Kissimmee. “This funding will drive growth in the City of Kissimmee, positioning our area as a competitive choice for future investments while supporting our commitment to sustainability and enhanced community services.”
KUA President and General Manager Brian Horton said, “Maintaining a reliable power grid is essential to creating opportunities for economic development in Osceola County for generations to come. We look forward to utilizing this significant investment to further enhance our power capabilities to support the innovation that’s positioned our region as a growing tech hub.”
Also, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will receive a $9.5 million grant for the construction of a solar energy and diesel automotive workforce training center in Hastings. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.8 million in local funds.
These projects are funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023. That Act provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance Program funds for disaster relief and recovery. These funds are for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding and other natural disasters in 2021 and 2022. Visit the EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.