Governor Ron DeSantis announced $23.5 million in new state funding to support infrastructure improvements throughout Citrus County, Levy County and the city of Newberry. This award is part of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) and Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) programs, which are designed to strengthen public works systems, support job creation, and improve local economic resiliency.
citrus county
Citrus County will receive $16.4 million through the CDBG-DR Infrastructure Repair Program in 2023 and 2024 to replace portions of its sewer system damaged by hurricanes. The improvements will expand wastewater treatment capacity and address long-standing constraints that have limited growth and business development.
Levy County
Levy County has been awarded $1.5 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund to upgrade critical water infrastructure in the Chieflands. The area, which was hit hard by Hurricanes Debbie, Helen and Milton, is also preparing for the development of a new shopping center that is expected to bring about 120 new jobs. The project will improve water service reliability in nearby rural areas, including Horseshoe Beach and Cedar Key, and support 155 acres of new retail, hotel and residential development.
newberry city
The City of Newberry will receive $5.6 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund to improve road and water infrastructure at the Newberry F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park. The project supports Florida’s burgeoning agricultural technology sector and follows the announcement of the park’s first tenant, Harvest Singularity, which will create 50 hydroponic jobs. Overall, the Newbury infrastructure project is expected to help create approximately 790 new jobs in the area.
National leaders emphasize economic benefits
“Florida continues to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our communities strong and competitive,” said Governor DeSantis. “By improving wastewater treatment capacity in Citrus County, expanding agricultural technology infrastructure in Newberry, and modernizing the utility system in Levy County, we are ensuring these communities have the resources they need to attract new jobs, support business expansion, and build long-term economic resilience.”
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the new funding underscores the administration’s focus on strengthening small, rural communities. “Reliable utilities, updated wastewater systems, and an innovative agricultural technology hub are essential to helping Floridians recover from the recent storms while supporting new industry and establishing a strong economic foundation for long-term growth,” Kelly said.
Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded 84 projects totaling more than $297 million, creating approximately 41,000 jobs and supporting more than 30,000 workforce education opportunities across the state.
