Florida Construction News staff writer
Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington counties will share $4.9 million in infrastructure funds to upgrade water and wastewater utilities, construct public roadways and public building renovations.
“These investments will attract and expand business opportunities, facilitate the creation of good-paying jobs, and diversify local economies which will strengthen Florida Panhandle communities for generations,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
In 2022, the Legislature annnounced $30 million for eligible communities under the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) program
The following projects will receive funds:
- City of Bonifay ($362,839) — to renovate the former Bonifay Middle School facility to accommodate business expansion and create 40 jobs.
- City of Cottondale ($300,000) — to conduct a study to develop plans and construction cost estimates to upgrade the city’s wastewater treatment plant and spray field that will serve a $50 million business expansion project providing more than 50 new jobs.
- Town of Alford ($285,000) — to conduct a study to determine deficiencies in the current drinking water system, and the best options to provide sufficient water supply for the expansion of local business and future business development.
- Town of Campbellton ($494,500) — to design and construct public parking in the downtown business corridor to provide customer access to new and expanding local businesses.
- Town of Grand Ridge ($274,500) — to conduct a study to determine and correct deficiencies in the current stormwater system that are causing repetitive flooding of commercial and residential areas. The study will include recommended mitigation actions, preliminary plans, and estimated costs to implement a comprehensive stormwater plan.
- Holmes County ($1,870,700) — to extend water and sewer infrastructure for Project Gateway, a new 40,000 square foot travel center creating 120 jobs and a $20 million capital investment in the area.
- Jackson County ($982,850) — to design, permit, and construct a public roadway and utility infrastructure for Project TAP, an advanced manufacturing facility creating or retaining 25 jobs and a $3.5 million capital investment in the area.
- Washington County ($300,000) — to secure engineering design services of proposed infrastructure improvements for site certification of a newly developed 200-acre industrial park that will attract new business and industry to the county.