TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is awarding $5.95 million to nine Northwest Florida communities to improve housing, streetscapes, and water and sewer projects in those areas.

In total, DEO is awarding more than $21 million to 32 communities across the state with Small Cities Community Development Block Grants, which assist with economic development, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood and commercial revitalization. 

DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “DEO is committed to helping Northwest Florida communities prosper. These grants will improve local infrastructure, which is a critical building block for strong communities and economic development.”

The following projects in Northwest Florida are recipients of the block grants:

• City of Apalachicola: $650,000 to construct 2,605 linear feet of new sewer lines, hook up households to this new sewer service, replace one sewer lift station, and replace 219 water meters and water main valves. 
• City of Graceville: $650,000 to construct a new elevated water tank.
• City of Bonifay: $650,000 to construct 8,320 linear feet of replacement water lines.
• Town of Jay: $600,000 to replace water and gas meters on residential structures located throughout the town.
• City of Milton: $700,000 to relocate 1,020 linear feet of utilities underground; to construct a pedestrian mall with 36 street lights; and to build a city park with a grass lawn, a fountain constructed from mill stones, a gazebo, brick paver walks, and parking.
• City of Freeport: $650,000 to rehabilitate or demolish and replace at least nine owner-occupied residential housing units located in areas throughout the city.
• City of Mexico Beach: $600,000 to rehabilitate or demolish and replace at least nine owner-occupied residential housing units for eligible homeowners residing within the city limits.
• Franklin County: $700,000 to rehabilitate a minimum of 10 homes of lower-income residents and provide temporary relocation assistance, as needed, to these residents during the time period their homes are being rehabilitated
• Holmes County: $750,000 to fund the rehabilitation or demolition of at least 11 owner-occupied residential housing units located in the unincorporated area of the county.

For more information about the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and details on how to apply, visit www.floridajobs.org/smallcitiescdbg.