09/17/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2021 13:38
Investing in Florida's military bases and supporting economic diversification for defense-friendly communities
STARKE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise Florida have awarded $3.4 million to communities throughout Florida through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program, the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program, and the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program. These grants will bolster military facilities, support economic diversification efforts for defense-dependent communities, and fund programs to improve military-community relations.
'In Florida, we pride ourselves on being a very military- and veteran-friendly state, and we are pleased to offer these additional resources to assist our bases and military communities' said Governor Ron DeSantis. 'From Northwest Florida to Northeast Florida, from Tampa to the Keys, a lot of active-duty military members are working here in Florida. Having that strong active-duty presence is not only something that we are proud of from a patriotic perspective, but it is good for our communities. Strong bases have a positive impact in their surrounding areas, so in Florida, we work in concert with the military to make sure we have the appropriate infrastructure in place to capitalize on their footprint for the benefit of our communities.'
'Military installation communities support not only military personnel and their families, but also many other Floridians through job creation and new opportunities,' said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. 'It is imperative that Florida continues to support military installations and their surrounding communities throughout the state.'
'With the announcement of these grant awards, Governor DeSantis further solidifies his commitment to providing support for Florida's military installations,' said Secretary of Commerce Jamal Sowell, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida. 'These vital investments will enhance the lives of those who serve and protect our freedom. I look forward to seeing the great accomplishments and breakthroughs that will result from this funding.'
The Defense Infrastructure Grant Program supports local infrastructure projects deemed to have an impact on the military value of installations within the state. Infrastructure projects to be funded under this program include those related to encroachment, transportation, access to military installations, utilities, communications, housing, environment, and security.
A total of $1.6 million in funding through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program has been awarded to the following entities:
The Defense Reinvestment Grant Program provides support to community-based activities that protect existing military installations. These grants are awarded to applicants that represent a local government with a military installation that could be adversely affected by federal actions.
A total of $800,000 in funding through the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program has been awarded to the following entities:
For more information on military community programs, please visit FloridaJobs.org/Military-Community-Programs.
The Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program (FDSTF) supports community projects at Florida military installations that will diversify local economies, provide support for local infrastructure projects, and strengthen Florida's bases ahead of any potential Department of Defense realignment or closure actions.
A total of $1 million in funding through the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program has been awarded to the following entities:
About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state's economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.
About Enterprise Florida
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida's businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, and small business growth through international trade and exporting programs. Governor Ron DeSantis serves as chairman of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors.
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