Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $5.2 million in funding for infrastructure projects in small and rural Florida communities. The funds are administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development category (CDBG-ED) and the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). “I am pleased to announce more than $5.2 million is being awarded to small and rural Florida communities to improve infrastructure,” said Governor DeSantis. “We will continue to invest in our state's infrastructure to help attract new businesses and create opportunities for residents.” The Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and DEO. The Rural Infrastructure Fund, administered by DEO, provides funding to local governments for infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation and business investment, and to strengthen and diversify rural economies. The small and rural communities receiving funds include the City of Palmetto in Manatee County among other Florida cities.

The City of Palmetto – ($1,500,000, CDBG-ED) to install public infrastructure including street, water, sewer and stormwater improvements to support the construction of the Palmetto Sheraton Hotel adjacent to the Bradenton Convention Center. This project is expected to create a minimum of 43 new, full-time jobs.

“Governor DeSantis is focused on making strategic investments in small and rural communities,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of DEO. “The Community Development Block Grant and Rural Infrastructure Funds are available to help communities that need it the most. These programs provide communities with the funding they need to make major infrastructure improvements, allowing them to set the stage for future development and economic resiliency.”

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