Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced a $6 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award to Sumter County to help complete a one and a half mile road expansion to serve a 300-acre industrial park.

The road expansion will support high-demand fields like manufacturing and construction, creating nearly 7,000 jobs and adding an estimated $336 million in additional income for Sumter County residents.

“Infrastructure projects are vital for the growth and development of new business in the State of Florida,” Gov. DeSantis stated. “I am happy to award $6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for a road expansion that will help current development of the industrial park, create thousands of jobs, and ensure the continued success of Sumter County. Through strategic investments, like the ones I have announced over the past several weeks, we can continue the momentum of Florida’s vibrant industrial base.”

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by DEO and Enterprise Florida (EFI) and chosen by the Governor to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.

In 2020-21, $74 million in awards are available for projects that focus on rapidly developing a highly skilled workforce and on infrastructure initiatives that attract businesses, create jobs, and promote economic growth. The DEO and EFI are currently accepting proposals.