Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Havana Magnet School to award the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners with almost $9 million in funding.
This awarded funds come with the commissioners’ promises to improve infrastructure and economic development across Gadsden County.
“My administration is dedicated to making investments that strengthen Florida’s communities,” says Governor DeSantis. “These awards will support critical infrastructure in Gadsden County while creating new opportunities for its residents. At the end of the day, we’re really proud of our rural communities in Florida, and we’re going to continue to offer support.”
Provided by the Department of Economic Opportunity, this funding will directly influence the construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of Gadsden County’s infrastructure.
Through improving local infrastructure, the DEO hopes to “support community resiliency” within Gadsden County.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, this administration is committed to elevating opportunity for business, jobs, and families in Gadsden County and its economic resiliency,” Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle says. “These awards are a testament to the Governor’s commitment to seeding opportunity, especially in rural communities.”
Secretary Eagle continues to emphasize Gov. Desantis’ and the Department of Economic Opportunity’s collaborative efforts to establish tools for economic success within Gadsden County.
Specific projects across Gadsden County will benefit from recent funding.
Most notably, the CDBG-CV Program will fund workforce housing, training, and sustainability, which will primarily benefit Gadsden County’s lower and middle class citizens.
Utilizing nearly $2 million in CDBG-CV funding, Gadsden County will reestablish an existing community space for public use.
The City of Gretna can use the funds to expand the city’s community center with the goal of improving public health services and support an estimated $14.5 million capital investment utilizing almost $3 million in government funding.
Receiving the most funding, Chattahoochee will receive almost $4 million to apply towards the rehabilitation of an old school building as a new senior center.
Finally, Midway will receive $60,000 allocated for the construction of an education center, complete with a “a 5- station shooting stand, automated clay throwing equipment, and a 5-station small-bore rifle range, and ADA compliant restrooms.”
“[This funding] is welcome news for Gadsden County,” Gadsden County Chairman of the Board Anthony Viegbesie said. “Our path toward continued and equitable economic growth is paved by the steps we take to improve the lives of Gadsden Countians. This funding will allow Gadsden County to transform our families and workforce into vibrant, productive assets, especially in our under-resourced communities.”
Hannah Carter – Gadsden County News Service