On Tuesday in Lake City, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that more than $122 million was awarded to rural municipalities and small county governments for rural infrastructure.
Six local counties — Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee and Union – will receive nearly $19 million. The awards come through the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) and the Small County Resurfacing Assistance Program (SCRAP) for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, according to a press release. Nearly one-third of the funds will go to rural communities impacted by hurricanes Debby and Idalia.
“Rural counties face unique infrastructure challenges, so we are ensuring they have the resources needed for long-term success,” said DeSantis in the press release. “These investments will improve infrastructure and attract new businesses to Florida’s rural communities.”
The following local entities will receive funding:
- $4.25 million for Bradford County
- $2.98 million for Columbia County
- $2.19 million for Gilchrist County
- $2.5 million for Levy County
- $3.66 million for Suwannee County
- $3.05 million for Union County
“Everything the Florida Department of Transportation undertakes, we do with the local communities in mind,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue in the press release. “I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for continuing to fund these priorities that aid Florida’s rural communities at times when they need it most. FDOT is proud of the partnerships we’ve built with our rural county leaders and look forward to continuing to deliver for these communities for years to come.”
To learn more about and apply for additional funding opportunities for Florida’s rural communities through the SCOP/SCRAP, click here.