JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced $35 million in awards for nine Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. All of the awarded economic development projects will help enhance community infrastructure or develop workforce training programs and have demonstrated a strong return on investment. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund was established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year to encourage continued economic growth across Florida communities. The Governor’s recommended 2018-2019 budget includes $85 million in continuation funding for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. For more information on the projects, click HERE. Here’s what Florida leaders are saying:

Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “I am proud that $35 million has been awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for important projects that will support continued economic development in our communities. These projects all have a direct impact on the families and job creators of the awarded communities and I thank Governor Scott for his leadership supporting the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.”

Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “The funds of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund are all going to education and infrastructure investments. These economic drivers provide long-term benefits to all Floridians. I look forward to seeing the success of these investments and appreciate Gov. Scott’s continued commitment to strengthening our economy."

State Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley said, “Supporting infrastructure and workforce training projects through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is helping make sure our communities can continue to compete with other locations across the world for new investments and opportunities. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Scott and my fellow members of the Legislature on ways to make Florida the best place for families and businesses to succeed.”

City of Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper said, “The City of Alachua is honored to accept this investment from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which will help bring major infrastructure improvements to our community. We appreciate Governor Scott’s continued work to support this fund and the economic development it will bring to areas like ours across the state.”

Canaveral Port Authority Port CEO Captain John Murray said, “We appreciate Governor Scott’s continued commitment to Florida’s ports and are grateful for this Florida Job Growth Grant Fund investment in our area. Port Canaveral is a world-class strategic gateway for Central Florida and a 21st century economic driver for the region. These roadway improvements will help us to continue to contribute to the vitality of our growing economy.”

Columbia County Board of County of Commissioners Chairman Tim Murphy said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an incredibly important resource for Florida’s rural communities and we are thankful to Governor Scott for his commitment to this program. Columbia County is proud to be named as a recipient of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and we are excited to see the impact the North Florida Mega Industrial Park Rail Project will have on economic growth in our community.”

Jacksonville City Council President Anna Lopez Brosche said, “The Cecil Commerce Center Mega Site is one of many growing economic hubs in Jacksonville that are helping to create new opportunities for families in Northeast Florida. This grant award will help support this area’s continued growth and we and thankful to Governor Scott for his work supporting the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.”

Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Johnny Eubanks said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is helping to support critical infrastructure projects in communities like Liberty County. We are proud to receive this funding and thank Governor Scott for recognizing the importance role these projects have in supporting long-term economic development.”

Pensacola State College President Dr. C. Edward Meadows said, “Pensacola State College thanks Governor Scott for his leadership with the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which will help create new opportunities for our students to receive the workforce training they need for their future careers. We will continue to do all we can to make sure our students have the resources and preparation they need to succeed.”

Port St. Lucie Mayor Gregory J. Oravec said, “Smart investments and infrastructure are at the foundation of a strong and growing economy. This job growth grant award will immediately retain and create hundreds of jobs, foster tens of millions of dollars of private investment and grow our local economy by nine figures. The long-term return on investment will be even greater as this grant helps us position our I-95 jobs corridor to be an economic engine for Port St. Lucie, the Treasure Coast and the State of Florida. We are proud of, and thankful for, the state’s investment and commitment to improve the Tradition Center for Commerce and to help Port St. Lucie families get to work.“

Suwannee County Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Ricky Gamble said, “We thank Governor Scott for his work establishing the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and supporting Florida’s rural communities. Suwannee County is thrilled to be named as a recipient of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, and we look forward to seeing how this project will help encourage more businesses to invest in Suwannee and improve the lives of our families.”

Washington County Commissioner Chairman Tray Hawkins said, “By investing in needed infrastructure projects, we are making it easier for job creators to grow in our community and create new opportunities for our families. Washington County is proud to stand beside Governor Scott today to celebrate the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund awards and we are excited to see the completion of this project.”

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