Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $1.4 million in awards to the City of Fanning Springs through the Rural Infrastructure Fund grant and a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help fund infrastructure improvements that are expected to attract new businesses and tourists to the area.

“Infrastructure improvements are critical for communities to achieve their economic development goals,” said Governor DeSantis. “We will continue to assist these communities by utilizing every resource available so they may attract businesses and support a highly-skilled workforce for sustainable economic growth.”

The programs are administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The infrastructure improvements will include:

• Construction of access lanes to connect US 19 and State Road 26 to the hotel property;
• Storm drains and other drainage features associated with road construction;
• Water line and sanitary sewer line improvements;
• Sidewalk improvements; and
• Updating street lighting and electrical connections.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we are making investments in places where we know there will be an important economic impact for rural communities,” said DEO Executive Director Ken Lawson. “I’m excited for Fanning Springs – this infrastructure project will continue to develop their community by helping to attract new businesses and visitors to the area.”

One of the new businesses coming to the community is a Best Western Hotel. The new hotel will provide 40 new full-time positions in the area and will be owned and operated by the Nature Coast Development Group, LLC. The hotel will be in walking distance to the Suwanee River and the Fanning Springs State Park and is expected to help draw tourists and business travelers to the area.

To learn more about the Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.floridajobs.org/RIF.

To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant Program, please visit www.floridajobs.org/CDBG.

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