Drew Wilson
The Florida Rural Economic Development Association on Monday praised Gov. Ron DeSantis for including a copious amount of rural jobs funding in his 2020-2021 legislative budget request.
Getting a shoutout were DeSantis’ appropriations for the Rural Regional Development Grant (RRDG) and the Job Growth Grant Fund.
“Rural Florida is still struggling to compete for good, high-wage jobs. It’s clear Governor DeSantis recognizes the needs of our rural communities throughout the state and has been a champion for those areas that are still recovering,” said FREDA Chairman and Gretna City Manager Antonio Jefferson.
“Increased funding thresholds within the RRDG Program, and support for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, further solidifies his commitment to rural job growth.”
DeSantis’ budget sets aside $50 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund, an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. RRDG provides funds to Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs) to assist communities in the creation and expansion of high-wage, skilled jobs that can greatly impact these regions of the state.
Currently, Florida’s designated RAOs include Opportunity Florida in Northwest Florida, the North Florida Economic Development Partnership in North Central Florida and the Florida Heartland in South Central Florida.
FREDA’s membership is comprised of the three organizations representing Florida’s Rural Areas of Opportunity.
“Having Governor DeSantis recognize the importance of these rural communities by providing funding in his proposed budget is a big step for all of rural Florida,” FREDA Board Member and Gilchrist County Commissioner Todd Gray said.
“If approved by the Legislature, I know the three organizations representing the Rural Areas of Opportunity in Florida will work together to ensure these funds are put to work for the people of rural Florida.”
FREDA Board Member and Okeechobee County Commissioner Terry Burroughs added, “The rural regional organizations in Florida are strongly encouraged by the Governor’s focus on the rural economies of our state. Our mission to bring jobs to those that need it most will be strengthened immensely by this program.”
