TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is awarding $2.2 million to three South 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 South 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 South Florida are recipients of the block grants:

• City of Fellsmere: $700,000 to provide flood and drainage improvements and street improvements through street paving and maintenance of a lift station.
• Indian River County: $750,000 to provide 4,995 linear feet of new sewer lines and 1,800 linear feet in drainage improvements through swales and new culverts. 
• City of Florida City: $750,000 to rehabilitate a minimum of 13 owner-occupied homes to Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Standards and the Florida City Housing Code.

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