This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that more than $122 million was awarded to rural municipalities and small county governments for rural infrastructure.
Six counties, including Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee and Union will receive nearly $19 million. The awards come through the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) and the Small County Resurfacing Assistance Program (SCRAP) for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, according to a press release.
SCOP assists small county governments in repairing or rehabilitating country bridges, paving unpaved roads, addressing road-related drainage improvements, and the construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and capacity and safety improvements of county roads. SCRAP assists small county governments in resurfacing and reconstructing county roads.
Nearly one-third of the recently released funds will go to rural communities impacted by hurricanes Debby and Idalia.
“Rural counties face unique infrastructure challenges, so we are ensuring they have the resources needed for long-term success,” said DeSantis in the press release. “These investments will improve infrastructure and attract new businesses to Florida’s rural communities.”
The following local entities will receive funding:
- $4.25 million for Bradford County
- $2.98 million for Columbia County
- $2.19 million for Gilchrist County
- $2.5 million for Levy County
- $3.66 million for Suwannee County
- $3.05 million for Union County
“Everything the Florida Department of Transportation undertakes, we do with the local communities in mind,” said Jared W. Perdue, FDOT Secretary, in a statement. “FDOT is proud of the partnerships we’ve built with our rural county leaders and look forward to continuing to deliver for these communities for years to come.”
Source: WTXL.com, Mainstreetdaiynews.com
