TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is reminding local governments in communities impacted by Hurricane Irma that the deadline to submit applications for the $85 million Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program is Thursday, October 31, 2019. The original deadline of Friday, August 30, 2019, was extended due to Hurricane Dorian.

Grant funding can be used by local governments to restore and improve infrastructure in areas damaged by Hurricane Irma or as match funding for other federal programs to carry out eligible, federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) infrastructure activity.

“This funding will allow communities the opportunity to make important and necessary infrastructure investments that will help them not only recover, but be more resilient to future disasters,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “By providing funding through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program for local governments impacted by Hurricane Irma, we’re working to ensure the continued growth, security and resiliency of Florida communities.” 

Local governments may apply individually or as a regional group for grant funding for infrastructure projects that meet program requirements, including demonstrating Hurricane Irma impact and primarily benefiting low- to moderate- income populations. Funding can also be used as leverage to match funding for other federal programs to carry out eligible, federal CDBG-DR infrastructure activity.

To complete an application by the October 31 deadline, or for more information about the program, visit the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program’s webpage. 

Rebuild Florida, a partnership of DEO and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, launched in September 2018 to use federal funding for Florida’s long-term disaster recovery efforts. For more information, visit RebuildFlorida.gov. 

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

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