J.C. Derrick
Micanopy is set to receive a nearly $3 million state grant for broadband internet, according to a Monday announcement from the office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The grant is part of $22 million in funding for development projects across 10 Florida communities. The Community Development Block Grant – CV (CDBG-CV) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
“This $22 million in awards will help 10 communities meet their infrastructure needs and provide long-term services for their residents for years to come,” DeSantis said in a statement.
Another North Central Florida town, Fort White, will receive nearly $1 million to facilitate improvements to sidewalks outside of a school.
The CDBG-CV program primarily benefits low- and moderate-income residents, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Activities include workforce housing, training, and sustainability, as well as broadband infrastructure and planning.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that these funds will make in the lives of Floridians and the communities where they live and work,” DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said in a statement.
Other communities receiving a CDBG-CV grant include:
- Town of Glen St. Mary ($2.5 million) – to make necessary improvements to existing sidewalks located throughout the town.
- City of Springfield ($5 million) – to rebuild the Springfield Community Center.
- Collier County (nearly $1 million) – to design and construct a new Golden Gate Senior Center and library facility.
- Hillsborough County (more than $2.3 million) – to expand multi-family workforce housing.
- City of Groveland ($765,000) – to reconstruct roads, sidewalks, and walkways that are adjacent to public parks.
- Lee County (more than $1 million) – to increase the bed capacity at the SalusCare Residential facility to support individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health.
- Miami-Dade County (more than $4 million) – to offer job training for management of affordable housing properties.
- Broward County (more than $1.5 million) – to provide rental assistance.