GOVERNOR CRIST AWARDS ADDITIONAL ROUND OF 2009 DEFENSE GRANTS

~~ ~Six projects to continue support for Florida’s military and defense economy~ ~~

June 29, 2010

Contact:

GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today awarded more than $867 thousand in a supplemental round of defense grants for six projects focused on improving Florida’s position as a host state for military installations and activities.

“Defense grants make important contributions to the overall mission of our nation’s armed forces,” said Governor Crist. “These grants protect the values of our military bases and enable our neighboring communities to better support the men and women who serve in our military and support Florida’s $60 billion defense economy.”

Administered by the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) in coordination with Enterprise Florida Inc., supplemental 2009-10 Defense Reinvestment Grants are awarded to Bay County Board of County Commissioners, Clay County Development Authority, City of Jacksonville, Miami-Dade County, Okaloosa County, and Pensacola Bay-Area Chamber of Commerce for a total $867,325. The original 2009-2010 Defense Infrastructure Grants were awarded to Clay County Development Authority, City of Tampa and Santa Rosa County.

Defense Infrastructure Grants

The Defense Infrastructure Program addresses the infrastructure needs of Florida’s military installations. Grants are provided to economic development organizations for projects associated with encroachment, transportation and access, utilities, communications, housing, environment and security.

About the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development

OTTED formulates policies and strategies designed to promote economic growth and diversify the state’s economic base. OTTED provides executive direction, develops policies and advocates for economic diversification and improvements in Florida’s business climate and infrastructure by focusing on six economic drivers to unify state-wide economic development planning and action: 1) Sustainable growth, 2) Competitive business climate, 3) Multi-model infrastructure, 4) Research & development, 5) Entrepreneurial systems, and 6) World-class talent. For more information please visit www.flgov.com/otted_home.