Governor Ron DeSantis has announced $23.5 million in new state funding to support infrastructure upgrades across Citrus County, Levy County, and the City of Newberry. The awards—part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) programs—are aimed at strengthening utility systems, supporting job creation, and boosting local economic resilience.
Citrus County
Citrus County will receive $16.4 million through the CDBG-DR Infrastructure Repair Program to replace sections of its sanitary sewer system damaged by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. The improvements will expand wastewater capacity and address long-standing constraints that have limited growth and business development.
Levy County
Levy County has been awarded $1.5 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund to upgrade critical water infrastructure in Chiefland. The area, which was hit hard by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, is also preparing for the development of a new shopping center expected to bring about 120 new jobs. The project will enhance water service reliability for nearby rural communities such as Horseshoe Beach and Cedar Key and support 155 acres of new retail, hotel, and residential development.
City of Newberry
The City of Newberry will receive $5.6 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund to improve roadway and water infrastructure at the Newberry F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park. The project supports Florida’s fast-growing agricultural technology sector and follows the announcement of the park’s first tenant, Harvest Singularity, which will create 50 jobs in hydroponics. Overall, the Newberry infrastructure project is expected to help generate nearly 790 new jobs in the area.
State Leaders Highlight Economic Benefits
“Florida continues to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our communities strong and competitive,” said Governor DeSantis. “By improving wastewater capacity in Citrus County, expanding AgTech infrastructure in Newberry, and modernizing utility systems in Levy County, we are ensuring that these communities have the resources they need to attract new jobs, support business expansion and build long-term economic resilience.”
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the new funding underscores the administration’s focus on strengthening small and rural communities. “Reliable utilities, updated wastewater systems, and innovative AgTech hubs are essential to helping Floridians recover from recent storms while also supporting new industries and establishing a solid economic foundation for long-range growth,” Kelly said.
Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded 84 projects totaling more than $297 million, creating nearly 41,000 jobs and supporting over 30,000 workforce education opportunities statewide.
