Florida Construction News staff writer
Funding for workforce development and infrastructure improvements has been awarded to Citrus County, Cross City, and Cedar Key for projects that will complete critical infrastructure and strengthen rural economies.
“Today’s award will help to attract high-demand, high-wage jobs and businesses to the Nature Coast community,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “This strategic investment will benefit the businesses, job seekers, and local economies of Citrus County, Cross City, and Cedar Key.”
Citrus County will receive $2.8 million for infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to build a wastewater line that will serve Holder Industrial Park. The project is the final infrastructure needed to open the 551-acre industrial park to business.
The park’s completion is estimated to increase Citrus County’s Gross Domestic Product by $367 million annually.
“I’m grateful for Governor DeSantis’ investment in these catalytic projects for Citrus, Dixie and Levy Counties,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “The Governor’s awarding of these funds will help elevate Citrus, Dixie and Levy County leaders’ vision for bringing high-wage, high-demand jobs to their communities.”
The following projects will receive an award through the Rural Infrastructure Fund Award:
- Cedar Key Water and Sewer District ($2.5 million) – to provide rehabilitation of six sewer lift stations within the city limits of Cedar Key.
- Town of Cross City ($620,000) – to perform water quality testing, evaluate existing potable wells, prepare an action plan for repairing and rehabilitating the existing wells, and potentially siting and drilling a new well.
