TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced $100 million of additional funds is now available to local governments in communities impacted by Hurricane Irma through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program. The program, administered by DEO, helps communities fund infrastructure restoration and improvement projects in communities impacted by disasters.

“Governor DeSantis has made it a priority to focus on the resiliency of our state,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program, this additional allocation will not only help municipalities bolster their infrastructure needs, but it will also lead to job creation in Hurricane Irma-impacted communities and strengthen their local economies.”

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

The application window will be open for 90 days and DEO staff will be available to provide technical assistance to communities during the application process. The deadline to complete an application is June 30, 2020. For more information about the program, including how to complete an application, visit the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program’s webpage.

In the coming weeks, DEO will announce additional opportunities for local governments to learn more about the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program through community webinars.

Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis awarded $84 million to 21 Hurricane Irma-impacted communities through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.

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

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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.