More than $2.9 million in funding for military-related programs will go to Florida’s defense communities, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced last week.
The funding will come in the form of grants from two state funding authorities that deliver funds to defense-dependent communities to support advocacy and military community relations, according to the announcement.
The grants, administered by the state Department of Economic Opportunity, include funds from the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant Program which funds infrastructure projects benefiting local communities and military bases. Infrastructure projects may be related to encroachment, transportation and access, utilities, communications, housing, environment and security.
Another round of grants will come from the Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant Program which provides funding to protect current military installations, diversify the economies of defense communities and develop plans for the reuse of closed or realigned military installations.
“As a veteran, I know the value in supporting Florida’s military installations and their surrounding communities,” DeSantis said in a statement. “We will continue to rebuild and create resilient bases, especially those impacted by Hurricane Michael, for the hardworking men and women who serve our country and state.”
Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Buchanan