Orlando, Fla. – The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced grant awards totaling more than $3.5 million in the Orlando area. Grant funding will be used to improve infrastructure, community redevelopment, and job creation in small and rural communities. Awards include $3.45 million through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and $85,500 through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) program. The projects awarded in the Orlando area can be found below.

“Florida’s rural communities are vital to the wellbeing and prosperity of our state, and my administration is committed to helping them thrive,” said Governor DeSantis. “The more than $3.5 million to the Orlando area will help ensure that our small and rural communities have the infrastructure and funding they need to create jobs and strengthen their economic resiliency.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO continues to champion opportunities that help communities across the state,” said Dane Eagle, Secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity. “We will work closely with these communities to meet their infrastructure needs and prepare them for the future in order to ensure strong economic development.”

Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program include:

The Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, administered by DEO and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides funding for housing and community development activities that primarily benefit persons of low- and moderate-income in small cities and rural communities. More information about the Florida Small Cities CDBG program can be found here.

• City of West Melbourne ($750,000) – to replace water lines located in the incorporated area of the city.
• City of Bunnell ($700,000) – to replace an inadequate storm water drainage system and expand another to address runoff and drainage during significant rain events in two service areas.
• City of Apopka ($750,000) – to repair or replace a minimum of 11 low-and moderate-income, owner-occupied housing units. Temporary relocation assistance will be provided to residents.
• City of Center Hill ($650,000) – to rehabilitate, demolish and replace substandard housing for a minimum of nine very low, low-and moderate-income households. Temporary relocation assistance will be provided to approved homeowners.
• City of Webster ($600,000) – to replace water and sewer lines and repave several streets within the City of Webster.

Community Planning Technical Assistance:

The Community Planning Technical Assistance grant program seeks to build stronger communities through innovative planning and development strategies to promote economic diversity, protect environmentally sensitive areas, and bolster resiliency planning. More information about the CPTA program can be found here.

• City of Dunnellon ($37,500) – to implement priority action items identified in the city’s Historic District Enhancement Plan (HDEP).
• Marion County Board of County Commissioners ($48,000) – to implement a Housing Strategy and Solution project and develop a Guided Growth Plan for housing.

Statewide, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that DEO awarded grants totaling more than $30 million in small and rural Florida throughout the state of Florida. Awards included $29 million through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, $1.2 million through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) program, $280,000 through the Competitive Florida Partnership program. More information can be found here.

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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