Florida Construction News staff writer
Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced more than $275 million for 75 infrastructure projects aimed at preparing coastal and inland communities for the impacts of flooding and storm surge. A list of awards can be found here.
“Under my administration, the state of Florida has invested an unprecedented level of funding, totaling more than $1.1 billion, to create or fortify infrastructure in Florida’s communities,” said DeSantis. “The projects announced today will ensure inland and coastal communities are prepared for the impacts of storm surge, hurricanes, and flooding, continuing our aggressive efforts to protect Florida’s natural resources and infrastructure.
”The Florida Department of Environmental Protection submitted the second preliminary statewide flooding and sea level rise resilience plan to the legislature last December, proposing funding for resilience and adaptation projects received from across the state.
A “framework for freedom Budget proposal includes $406 million for resilience to build upon the historic progress made over the past two years. This recommendation includes $350 million for the implementation of statewide resilience projects and $56 million for resilience planning and coral reef protection.
The new grant program was created to “help prepare communities for the impacts of flooding and storm surge.”
“Targeted funding and new directives have enhanced efforts to protect our inland riparian areas, coastlines, shores, and coral reefs, which serve as invaluable natural defenses against sea level rise,” DeSantis said, noting the state has invested $1.1 billion to increase community resilience.
The announcement came three weeks after the governor visited Daytona Beach Shores to announce announce funds for Central Florida counties hit by hurricanes Ian and Nicole, including $37.6 million for Volusia County beaches, $17 million for Flagler County and $3.2 million to Brevard County for beach restoration projects.
