Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Over $91 Million in Funding to Support Storm Mitigation and Recovery for Communities Impacted by Hurricane Michael

MARIANNA, Fla.,— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced over $91 million in funding to communities across the Panhandle region through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program. Projects include improvements to wastewater and sanitary sewer, potable water, and stormwater systems.

“I’ve said from the beginning that recovery from Hurricane Michael would be a long-term process,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Michael has forever left a mark on Panhandle communities, but through the funding provided today, we can ensure these communities are stronger and better equipped for the future.”

“Following a natural disaster, it is vitally important to support recovery efforts that promote the long-term resilience of our great state,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Today’s awards are a testament to Governor DeSantis’ commitment to our Panhandle communities impacted by Hurricane Michael.”

“More than three years since Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, Governor Ron DeSantis continues to make good on his promise to support these communities with vital resources to recover from this historic storm,” said Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “This additional $91 million in recovery funding will go a very long way in improving the infrastructure needed to support the families and businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael. Thank you to Governor DeSantis and DEO Secretary Dane Eagle for their continued support of Hurricane Michael recovery.”

Funding announced today will be awarded to 14 communities in the Panhandle region for projects that will strengthen infrastructure and increase community resiliency. Communities receiving awards are:

• Town of Alford ($13,879,500)- to construct a city-wide septic to sewer remodel.
• City of Marianna ($11,195,475)- to rehabilitate the City’s stormwater drainage system.
• City of Marianna ($7,191,760)- to replace approximately 24,150 linear feet of needed potable water main pipes.
• City of Blountstown ($9,933,954)- to repair damage to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• City of Wewahitchka ($8,500,000) – to conduct city-wide wastewater system repairs.
• Town of Grand Ridge ($7,508,451)- to install emergency generators and SCADA communications systems to the Town’s lift stations.
• Town of Grand Ridge ($1,017,050)- to replace the emergency generators at two potable water wells and install a SCADA communications system to the Potable Water System.
• City of Bristol ($6,869,018)- to make wastewater and stormwater improvements.
• City of Graceville ($6,347,700)- to support sanitary sewer system hardening and resiliency.
• City of Graceville ($2,431,500)- to support Graceville Fire Rescue Station relocation and reconstruction.
• Town of Sneads ($3,629,750)- to make restoration improvements and repairs throughout the Town’s wastewater treatment and transmission systems.
• Town of Sneads ($1,907,925)- to support critical transportation and drainage infrastructure restoration project.
• Town of Malone ($3,041,300)- to construct city-wide stormwater improvements.
• Town of Campbellton ($2,998,625)- to rehabilitate the City’s stormwater drainage system.
• Town of Vernon ($1,674,622)- to install emergency generators and communications systems to the City’s lift stations.
• City of Jacob City ($1,412,073)- to upgrade drainage ditches city wide and pave two eroded roadways.
• City of Gretna ($750,000)- to replace the City’s Ground Storage Tank.
• Town of Wausau ($407,542)- to replace the storm water drainage culvert system and restore the damaged and undermined pavement and road base on 2nd Avenue.
• Town of Wausau ($330,110)- to support potable water system hardening and resiliency.

Rebuild Florida is administered by DEO and allows local governments to develop large-scale infrastructure projects that aid communities in making them more resilient against future disasters.

Rebuild Florida uses federal funding for Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from the devastating impacts of natural disasters. The Department is the Governor-designated state authority responsible for administering all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) long-term recovery funds awarded to the state. For more information, visit RebuildFlorida.gov.