Scott awards grants to protect future of military bases, including those in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Today, Governor Scott announced nearly $3.5 million will be awarded to support community projects at military installations across the state.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation, and as a Navy Veteran myself, I am proud to announce our state will be providing nearly $3.5 million in additional defense grants dedicated to supporting Florida’s military communities. Our military installations are the backbone of many great Florida communities.”

The Greater Pensacola Chamber will receive $95,000, and Santa Rosa County will receive $29,169. The 2018-2019 Defense Reinvestment Grants were also awarded to defense partners in Bay, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange and Walton counties.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program and the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program, which protects Florida’s military bases by providing funding for local infrastructure and land acquisition needs, as well as assisting communities surrounding military instillations in diversifying their economies. Florida’s military installations contribute more than $84.9 billion in economic impact and the defense industry supports nearly 800,000 jobs in the state.

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Defense communities play a large role in Florida’s robust economy. We are proud to invest in our military installations and the local communities they support.”