The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners received a $46,050 Defense Reinvestment Grant for protecting and enhancing military missions and a $300,000 Defense Infrastructure Grant for base buffering efforts at NAS Whiting Field through Florida’s Defense Infrastructure and Reinvestment Grant Programs.
“These grants allow us to continue Santa Rosa County’s long standing defense support program to protect the mission of NAS Whiting Field and Navy outlying fields,” said Sheila Fitzgerald, grants and special programs director for Santa Rosa County. “Increasing the buffer zone around our airfields effectively minimizes encroachment and strengthens the Navy’s mission.”
“The aviation industry is a prime target for northwest Florida and Santa Rosa County. We have numerous assets that provide a business advantage for companies,” said Shannon Ogletree, economic development director. “Our goal is to inform companies and site selectors of our workforce, education system, low-tax structure, available sites, and quality of place. This grant will help us further promote these advantages for both the state and Santa Rosa County.”
Other grants announced yesterday by Governor Rick Scott announced that were awardedthrough Florida’s Defense Infrastructure and Reinvestment Grant Programs under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity include:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY: The Greater Pensacola Chamber received a $97,925 Defense Reinvestment Grant to promote Department of Defense growth in the Pensacola region and to enhance and protect existing military missions at Corry Station, NAS Pensacola and Saufley Field.
OKALOOSA COUNTY: The Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County received a $97,925 Defense Reinvestment Grant for a collaborative community diversification program and sustained enhancement at Duke Field, Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners received a $300,000 Defense Infrastructure Grant for the Shoal River military installation buffering project.