Florida Construction News staff writer
More than $5.4 million will be shared by the Town of Callahan, the City of Starke, Haines City and Labelle for community development projects to strengthen public infrastructure.
“This $5.4 million in infrastructure funding we are awarding today will create opportunities for families and strengthen local economies,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “We are yet again providing our small and rural communities with the resources they need to grow.”
Projects are funded through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-CV program, and the Small Cities CDBG program:
- Town of Callahan – $3.4 million to design and build a water treatment facility and wastewater pump, as well as a conveyance pipeline to the Town of Callahan’s wastewater treatment facility.
- City of Starke – $700,000 to renovate the RJE Community Center, including a building addition, on-site grading to control storm-water runoff, replacement and repair of the building’s roof, bathrooms, windows, and the installation of an emergency generator.
- City of Haines City – $700,000 to install 9,049 linear feet of new sidewalks in the Park Avenue neighborhood between East Johnson Avenue and Melbourne Avenue on North 18th through North 24th street.
- City of Labelle – $700,000 to rehabilitate or replace 10 low-to moderate income homes.
The CDBG-CV program primarily benefits low- and moderate-income residents. Activities benefit workforce housing, training, and sustainability, as well as broadband infrastructure and planning.
The Small Cities CDBG program provides funding for housing and community development activities. Funded projects encourage economic development, commercial and neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvements.
