FGNW NEWS

Governor Ron DeSantis Announced $7.7 Million in Awards to Northwest Florida Governments Through the Rural Infrastructure Fund

Posted: December 12, 2024

Tallahassee, FL – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the awarding of $7.7 million to 7 rural county governments and municipalities across the Florida Panhandle to support vital infrastructure projects through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). These investments will strengthen the region’s economy, enhance local infrastructure, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities in the region.

“Florida remains committed to supporting our rural communities, ensuring that they have the infrastructure and resources needed to thrive,” said Governor DeSantis. “These investments will not only improve critical infrastructure but also help attract new businesses, create jobs, and drive long-term economic success in some of the state’s most underserved areas.”

The communities in Northwest Florida that received funding are listed below:

• City of Bonifay ($1,233,000) – to construct drainage improvements to address significant flooding issues at four key locations. 
• City of Chipley ($295,000) – to complete the designing, engineering, and survey work needed to extend public sanitary sewer service along Brickyard Road.
• City of Marianna ($1,655,000) – to facilitate upgrades to a municipally owned facility, including an OSHA-compliant drive-in ramp, an additional roll-up door, relocation of ceiling obstructions, and building life safety and code compliance. This project is expected to create 110 new jobs.
• City of Sneads ($84,500) – to make urgent repairs to the town’s water system, addressing issues of noncompliance identified in a recent FDEP inspections.
• Jackson County ($1,665,000) – to enhance the public sewer system along US 231 by rehabilitating the Barber Road Lift Station.

• Wakulla County ($4,504,369) – 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 new jobs and retain 79 jobs.

• Washington County ($67,500) – to conduct a feasibility study to analyze the current infrastructure and environmental factors to determine its readiness for future commercial development.

About Florida’s Great Northwest, Inc.

Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the 13-county region of the Florida Panhandle. The organization's purpose is to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, to advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and to collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. Beyond our beaches, Northwest Florida offers business competitive, bottom-line advantages in workforce training, upgraded infrastructure, access to a host of defense assets, and a diverse base of industries that already call the region home. For more information, visit FloridasGreatNorthwest.com.