Infrastructure investment in smaller communities can address aging utility systems, transportation access and development constraints that affect local housing and economic activity. Florida has awarded nearly $8.8 million for infrastructure and community planning initiatives across 12 small and rural communities in Northwest Florida.
The funding is being provided through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program. The awards will support construction-related infrastructure improvements as well as planning efforts intended to prepare communities for future development.
Seven communities will receive funding through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.
The City of Blountstown received $1.19 million for improvements to its wastewater collection and treatment facility. The City of Bonifay received $1.5 million for utility improvements associated with the Decon Road Sewer Extension project.
The City of Bristol was awarded $786,440 for potable water improvements involving the Shuler Lane well and waterline replacement. The City of Gretna received $1.26 million for wastewater treatment improvements and paving and roadway work along 6th Street.
Franklin County received the largest CDBG award at $1.77 million. The funding will support water and sewer infrastructure while also supporting future workforce housing development.
Liberty County received $1.26 million for improvements to the Bristol Boat Ramp roadway, which provides primary access to the Apalachicola River. The Town of Malone received $622,375 to rehabilitate two potable water wells and improve its public water system.
Five additional communities and regional planning organizations will receive $75,000 each through the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program.
The Apalachee Regional Planning Council will use its funding for a regional vertiport study covering nine counties. The City of Chipley will develop an economic readiness and planning implementation strategy.
The City of Freeport will update its comprehensive plan to support future industrial and commercial development. Holmes County will develop a geographic information system and public planning map, while the Town of Century will develop a hydraulic model for its municipal drinking water system.
The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by FloridaCommerce. It provides funding for infrastructure, housing and economic development activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
The technical assistance program supports strategic planning, statutory planning requirements and community resiliency initiatives.
The awards connect public funding with infrastructure needs that can influence residential development, commercial activity and community growth. Water and wastewater upgrades can improve utility capacity, while roadway investments can strengthen access to industrial, residential and river-based activity.
For contractors and developers, the projects also illustrate the role of state and federal grant programs in financing infrastructure improvements in smaller markets across Northwest Florida.
Source: Florida Govt.
