- Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.5 million from the Rural Infrastructure Fund to Chiefland for a 55,000-square-foot grocery development and infrastructure upgrades.
- The Florida Rural Infrastructure Fund allocated $27 million across 14 communities with 141 applications totaling over $193 million for 2026-27 projects.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $27 million in Rural Infrastructure Fund awards for 14 Florida communities, including $3.5 million to Chiefland, to support infrastructure improvements and economic development following Hurricane Isaias.
In a press release from DeSantis’ office on Tuesday, the funding will support projects involving roadway access, stormwater management, water and wastewater systems, economic development sites, and health care and emergency medical services facilities.
Chiefland’s $3.5 million will support a 55,000-square-foot grocery development and related roadway, water, and wastewater infrastructure.
“As we continue helping communities recover from Hurricane Isaias, we are also making investments to strengthen rural Florida and support economic growth,” DeSantis said in the release. “Today in Washington County, I announced $27 million in Rural Infrastructure Fund awards for critical projects in 14 small and rural communities across Florida. We’re also awarding $24.3 million to 12 additional rural communities to invest in infrastructure and economic opportunity. Florida has made tremendous progress recovering from this storm. We are committed to supporting the families, businesses, and communities that have been affected so that they can rebuild in the short term and thrive in the long term.”
FloridaCommerce announced in June that $27 million was available through the Rural Infrastructure Fund for the 2026-27 application cycle, including $5 million designated for Panhandle counties. The agency received a record 141 applications requesting more than $193 million.
More information about the program is available through FloridaCommerce.