Gov. DeSantis announces $6M Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for Sumter County

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On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the state had awarded Sumter County a $6 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to complete a one and a half-mile road expansion serving a 300-acre industrial park.

The road expansion will create an estimated 7,000 jobs in manufacturing and construction while adding an estimated $336 million in additional income for Sumter County residents, the governor’s office said.

“Infrastructure projects are vital for the growth and development of new business in the State of Florida,” DeSantis said. “I am happy to award $6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund for a road expansion that will help current development of the industrial park, create thousands of jobs, and ensure the continued success of Sumter County. Through strategic investments, like the ones I have announced over the past several weeks, we can continue the momentum of Florida’s vibrant industrial base.”

In 2020-2021, the Florida Job Growth Fund awarded $74 million for projects focusing on rapidly developing a highly skilled workforce and infrastructure initiatives that attract businesses, create jobs, and promote economic growth. Proposals for the awards are reviewed by the Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise and are then chosen by the Governor.

“This is not only an investment in Florida’s transportation system — this is an investment in job growth,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “Today is an example of how we are adding to our positive momentum, creating jobs, and driving our economy forward. This road expansion will mobilize and unify our investment in delivering the jobs and opportunities Floridians deserve.”