Jacob Ogles
Gov. Ron DeSantis presented a check worth more than $1 million to Moore Haven’s Mayor on Wednesday. The money will go to infrastructure projects in Glades County.
“We really like rural infrastructure,” DeSantis said. “You get a lot of bang for the buck.”
Improvements to roads and stormwater drainage systems will both improve economic opportunities and environmental safeguards, he said.
Moore Haven Mayor Bret Whidden celebrated the dollars coming to the rural community. “I want to thank the Governor for making this happen,” he said.
The presentation comes days after a similar grant presentation in Madison.
DeSantis noted his office has asked the Legislature this year to budget $100 million for rural infrastructure. He also wants $100 million for a job growth grant fund. That will make available additional grants to smaller communities.
“We are proud of all 67 counties,” he said.
Lottery Secretary John Davis, who grew up in rural Pahokee in the Lake Okeechobee area, also attended the check presentation. He spoke about the inherent value smaller communities contribute. He praised DeSantis for directing the Department of Economic Opportunity to funnel investment in rural Florida.
The dollars will “create opportunities and allow all of Florida’s communities to continue to thrive.”
The Legislature continues to work through budget issues. That has sometimes delivered disappointment for rural areas. The Senate on Wednesday pulled its funding for a broadband expansion, spelling trouble for that funding in inland communities.
But DeSantis expressed confidence opportunities will still exist for more investment once a budget is in place.
“We’ve gone to places that have never seen a Governor before,” DeSantis said. “We try and make it to all communities.” DeSantis also joked that he doesn’t like to show up empty-handed and usually has a bill to sign or a check to distribute.
His hope is that come July, there will be reason to come back to the heartland with more grant dollars to bestow.
One comment
Tom
February 24, 2022 at 6:26 am
Great program. Gov Ron, America’s Governor making every effort to be with the people across the state. Investing in Florida’s future, better infrastructure, roads and water access.
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