Governor Rick Scott announced $1.6 million in funding opportunities for Florida’s rural communities will be made available through the Competitive Florida Partnership and Community Planning Technical Assistance grants. These grant programs are administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and provide funding and support to assist local governments in economic development strategies, addressing critical local planning issues and promoting innovative planning solutions to challenges identified by local governments.
Governor Scott said, “Since taking office in 2011, I have fought every day to make Florida the very best state in the nation for businesses to succeed so Floridians can get great jobs and provide for their families. Florida’s rural communities play a critical role in the continued growth and advancement of our booming economy and I am proud today to announce $1.6 million for rural communities to enhance local economic development. Because of our focus on job creation, since 2010, every county in Florida has had a drop in unemployment and thanks to lower taxes and less burdensome regulations, Florida business have created nearly 1.5 million new jobs. I look forward to seeing our rural communities put these dollars to work to get great jobs wins that provide big returns for Florida families.”
DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “DEO is committed to helping promote Florida’s diverse economy and build vibrant rural and urban communities. These grants are a great opportunity to help rural communities reach their economic development goals and assist them in capitalizing on the unique assets each community has to offer.”
Additional details on the Competitive Florida Partnership and the Community Planning Technical Assistance grants proposal processes and requirements are available HERE and HERE. Grant proposals are being accepted now and must be received by DEO by Monday, May 7, 2018, by 5:00 p.m. Projects seeking grant funding must be completed by May 31, 2019.
