Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials made the announcement on Clay County Day at the Florida State Capitol. Money will come from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the City of Green Cove Springs will also match the grant with $50,000 and is prepared to immediately begin work on what is projected to be a 6-month project.
“Clay County is home to several companies in the manufacturing, aerospace and defense sectors, with plenty of room to grow.”said Governor DeSantis.
“This strategic investment in public infrastructure, will help support and attract additional investment and growth for current and future businesses that call Green Cove Springs home. Clay County’s future is bright, and we look forward to their continued growth and success.”
The funding will also assist Green Cove Springs Utility Department with upgrading the powerlines and transformers to support existing and future manufacturing facilities in the industrial park on County Road 315.
“Providing opportunities for Florida communities to enhance infrastructure is an important element of the business-friendly environment Governor DeSantis is committed to in our great state,” said DEO Executive Director Ken Lawson.“We are proud to support Green Cove Springs in their efforts to diversify their economy through strategic investments and create jobs for their citizens.”
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 the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) and chosen by the Governor to help meet workforce or infrastructure needs in the community to which they are awarded.
“Today’s award goes a long way toward bolstering a small town’s local infrastructure and diversifying northeast Florida’s economy,” said EFI President and CEO Jamal Sowell.
“I cannot think of a better use of these funds for long-term growth.”
Since July 2019, DEO and EFI have received 89 proposals requesting more than $286 million in funding. Today’s announcement reflects a total of nearly $186 million in funding awarded to 57 communities across the state since the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund was established.
In 2019-20, $40 million is 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. DEO and EFI are currently accepting proposals. For more information, visit Floridajobs.org/jobgrowth.
