DeSantis awards $122M to Florida counties to improve rural infrastructure

LAKE CITY, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis announced $122 million for Florida counties to improve rural transportation infrastructure at a press conference on Tuesday in Lake City.

Watch the full press conference below.

The funds will be given through FDOT’s Small County Outreach Program and the Small County Resurfacing Assistance Program for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Officials said one-third of the $122 million will go to rural communities impacted by Hurricanes Idalia and Debby.

“Rural counties face unique infrastructure challenges, so we are ensuring they have the resources needed for long-term success,” DeSantis said. “These investments will improve infrastructure and attract new businesses to Florida’s rural communities.”

He was joined by Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.

“Everything the Florida Department of Transportation undertakes, we do with the local communities in mind,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. said. “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.”

The Northeast Florida counties to receive funding are:

• Flagler County – $2.5 million

• Columbia County – $3 million

• Putnam County – $ 9.12 million

• Suwannee County – $3.66 million

• Union County – $3.05 million