Press Release: The state of Florida has awarded $1,581,245 in Defense Infrastructure Grants for fiscal year 2012-13 (July 1 – June 30) to local community organizations that support Florida military installations. The grants work to protect a $60 billion economic impact and more than 686,000 direct and indirect jobs, which the defense industry annually infuses into Florida.
Governor Rick Scott said, “This grant program is a vital tool in maintaining Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation. Jobs for Florida families is my top priority – and these grants will improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Floridians employed at our military installations.â€
The state awards Defense Infrastructure Grants to communities that host military installations. The grants are performance-based and will be distributed after the recipient has fulfilled its project requirements. The funds provide support for local infrastructure projects that have a positive impact on the community and enhance an installation’s military value. They may be used for projects related to encroachment, transportation and access, utilities, communications, housing, environment and security.
The grants will benefit eight military installations and their communities. This year, awards were given to the City of Jacksonville, Highlands County Economic Development Commission, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Bay County Board of County Commissioners, Santa Rosa County, Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, and Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. Okaloosa received awards for both Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base.