Today, Governor Rick Scott announced nearly $10 million in awards for six Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides $85 million for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has received more than 246 proposals requesting more than $866 million in funding. Today’s announcement reflects a total of nearly $70 million in funding awarded to 27 communities across the state to promote infrastructure and job training since 2017.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s economic growth is continuing to outpace the nation because of our nonstop focus on creating jobs in every corner of our state. When we created Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund, we knew that this targeted and transparent approach would pay huge dividends for local communities. I’m proud to award nearly $10 million more in funding, and look forward to these projects enhancing our ability to meet the growing infrastructure and workforce needs of Florida’s booming private sector.”
The six awarded projects include:
- Eastern Florida State College ($3,790,020) for training and certificate programs through the Florida Actively Collaborating with Training for Individuals in Vocational & Advanced Technology Educational Skills (Florida ACTIVATES) program to train Floridians in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
- Baker County ($2,297,054) to create an access road to the Woodstock Industrial Park for advanced manufacturing and distribution projects.
- St. Johns River State College ($1,383,237) to expand an advanced manufacturing and robotics training program that will support local manufacturing training, economic development and job growth for Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
- Florida Gateway College ($860,000) to enhance current workforce training programs for Aviation Powerplant Mechanics and Aviation Airframe Maintenance to fill a statewide need.
- Charlotte County ($800,000) for the Piper Road Extension and infrastructure improvements leading into one of Charlotte County’s largest industrial parks, the Punta Gorda Interstate Airport Park.
- Florida State College at Jacksonville ($710,352) to enhance the Northeast Florida Advanced Manufacturing & Logistic Job Growth program, which collaborates with more than 300 employers in the high-growth industries of advanced manufacturing and logistics.
These proposals were reviewed by DEO and Enterprise Florida (EFI) and chosen by Governor Scott based on their strong return on investment to the state and to meet the demand for a robust workforce or infrastructure needs. Return on investment was calculated to determine the best projects for the state and economic development in the regions.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of DEO said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is a powerful economic development tool that meets specific needs of growing businesses in Florida. We are excited about the opportunities these projects will provide for Florida communities and families in the Sunshine State.”
Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida said, “Each of these projects represents an opportunity to make Florida the best place for families and businesses to succeed. Enterprise Florida is pleased to continue working with DEO and our economic development partners to strengthen Florida’s workforce and infrastructure.”
For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visitwww.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.
