On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $80 million in awards to South Florida communities through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program.
Funding received through the grant program will enhance community infrastructure, support the environment, and mitigate against damage from future storms.
At the event, Governor DeSantis also highlighted Florida’s economic success. When much of the nation locked down service-based industries, especially tourism, Florida filled the void.
According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, 30.3% of overseas visitors to the US went to Florida in 2020, an increase of almost 7 percentage points compared to 2019. This marks the first time that Florida’s market share of overseas travelers overtook New York and reached the #1 spot since 2001.
“Florida’s economy and communities are thriving because we invest in projects that make meaningful impacts,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today we were able to devote $80 million to fund projects that support economic growth, protect our environment, and improve hurricane mitigation – this is how you build strong communities.”
“Hardening Florida’s infrastructure is critical to ensuring that our state remains prepared and equipped to withstand any future natural disasters,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “I am proud to stand with Governor DeSantis as he awards more than $80 million to communities in South Florida, and we will remain diligent in protecting homes, businesses, and the livelihoods of Floridians for years to come.”
Funding awarded today will have impacts across South Florida and will fund multiple infrastructure projects that will support storm readiness and community resilience. Communities receiving funding are:
- City of Miami ($19,859,977)– to support flooding and right-of-way improvements including improved stormwater inlets and pipes and a new stormwater pump station in the Southwest Wynwood area.
- City of Miami ($18,477,439)- for flood improvements in East Little Havana to relieve repetitive flooding due to stormwater accumulation.
- Broward County ($16,676,000)- to replace the existing non-functional and insufficient stormwater infrastructure and add new green infrastructure for stormwater drainage..
- City of Hallandale Beach ($14,879,219)- million to the City of Hallandale Beach for sewer system modernization.
- City of Opa-Locka ($7,000,000)- for complete renovation of the 127th Ave Canal, including expanding the depth of the canal and stabilizing the bank on both sides to enhance community flood protection.
- City of North Lauderdale ($3,285,000)- to fund a new stormwater pump station facility adjacent to the C-14 canal to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and tidal events on the regional drainage system and C-14 canal.
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.
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