SEBRING, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday that he will be awarding $311 million for infrastructure repair in 37 Florida communities, including $20 million for JEA.
During a news conference at the Serbing Regional Airport, DeSantis went over the list of communities and agencies that will receive an award for several projects, including roadway reinforcement, sanitary sewer system repairs and water infrastructure improvements.
“Some of this stuff honestly isn’t sexy, but it’s important for these communities,” DeSantis said. “At the end of the day, we want awards that are going to make a difference.”
Here is a list of Northeast Florida communities and agencies that will receive an award, according to DeSantis:
- Almost $6 million for the Bradford County Commission to reinforce the roadway by adding base pavement and reestablish the roadside swales for erosion protection.
- $7 million to the City of Macclenny to harden and modernize the Ohio Street water treatment plant
- $4.9 million to the City of Palatka to harden and expand the capacity of the city’s wastewater treatment plant
- $4 million for Columbia County to upgrade and harden shelters
- $20 million for JEA to redirect wastewater flows to its existing reliable wastewater treatment facility.
- $6 million for Santa Fe College in Alachua County
- $1.4 million for Union County to harden the public safety communications tower
- $1.7 million for Lake City
- $2.9 million for Keystone Heights Airport Authority
- $3 million for Putnam County for public infrastructure at the central landfill
The Florida Department of Commerce awarded the grant to JEA on behalf of Normandy Village to support the rebuilding of the community’s wastewater infrastructure.
According to JEA, in September, a court appointed JEA as receiver of the Normandy Village Utilities water and sewer systems to ensure safe and reliable service for approximately 1,325 customers. Since that time, JEA has been providing water and wastewater services to the community while operating systems in need of significant repairs and long-term investment.
“We appreciate the support from Gov. DeSantis and Department of Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly as we assist in rebuilding the Normandy Village community,” said JEA Managing Director and CEO Vickie Cavey. “This grant will go a long way toward helping us support critical infrastructure and safeguard public health and the environment.”
JEA is receiving the grant through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery. The funding will support critical infrastructure improvements that protect the environment and the health and safety of Normandy Village customers.
According to JEA, the funding will support critical infrastructure improvements that protect the environment and the health and safety of Normandy Village customers.