FELLSMERE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $4.4 million in funding to communities in Southeast Florida through the Rural Infrastructure Fund and the Community Development Block Grant-CV (CDBG-CV) Entitlement program and Small Cities program. Indian River County will use the funding received to attract new industry opportunities to the Headwaters Commerce Park, including manufacturing. Broward County will use the funding to increase internet accessibility and rental assistance to residents and Monroe County will use awarded funds to make improvements to a community waterfront park that will be used as a multi-use location.

“By connecting Floridians with the resources they need to create jobs, support new talent, and help businesses to stay open and grow, we are supporting Florida’s economic resiliency,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I will continue seeking strategic approaches to long-term opportunity for all Floridians.”

“Governor DeSantis has put the growth and continued success of all Florida communities top of mind,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Moreover, I am grateful for his approach to seeding long-term opportunity and strategic economic supports to both immediately lift up a community and long-term enable that community to create jobs and capitalize on the success and livelihood of Floridians for generations to come.”

The Rural Infrastructure Fund, administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), facilitates the planning, preparation, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities. Funded projects encourage job creation, capital investment, and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies.

The CDBG-CV Small Cities and Entitlement programs, also administered by DEO, primarily benefits low- and moderate-income residents. Activities also include the following eligible activities: Acquisition; Workforce Housing; Public Improvements; Public Facilities; Business Assistance; Microenterprise Assistance; Public Services, including Workforce Training; Planning; and Broadband Planning and Public Infrastructure.

The following community will receive an award through the Rural Infrastructure Fund:

• City of Fellsmere ($750,000) – to extend the sewer systems for Headwaters Commerce Park in an effort to increase wastewater discharge capacity.

The following communities will receive awards through the Community Development Block Grant:

• Monroe County ($2,956,534) – to enhance Rowell’s Waterfront Park through building parking, restrooms, shared use paths, site lighting, and a Wi-Fi network should it need to be converted into a multi-use location.
• City of Pompano Beach ($518,651) – to provide rental assistance through the city’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist low-income households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• City of Sunrise ($268,332.93) – to install Wi-Fi at the city’s Roarke Hall, City Park, and the Village Beach Club to increase internet accessibility for all citizens to utilize for seeking education and employment opportunities, conducting business, and accessing healthcare.

For more information about the Rural Infrastructure Fund Grant Program, please visit FloridaJobs.org/RIF. For more information about the CDBG-CV Program, please visit FloridaJobs.org/CDBG-CV.

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