Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced $23.5 million in grants to help Citrus and Levy counties plus the city of Newberry improve wastewater infrastructure after hurricanes swept through the area and other projects.
“Florida continues to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our communities strong and competitive,” DeSantis said in a statement. “By improving wastewater capacity in Citrus County, expanding AgTech infrastructure in Newberry, and modernizing utility systems in Levy County, we are ensuring that these communities have the resources they need to attract new jobs, support business expansion and build long-term economic resilience.”
Citrus was awarded $16.4 million to replace a sanitary sewer system following stormwater intrusion after hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. The improvements, paid for by the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Infrastructure Repair Program (CDBG-DR) will add more capacity, DeSantis said.
The city of Newberry is getting $5.6 million for roadway and water infrastructure improvements at the Newberry F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park.
The park is described as “a collaborative research and business incubator facility anchored by the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension Office,” according to Newberry’s Chamber of Commerce. “Beyond labs and offices, the site will offer on‑site production facilities, making it possible for startups to grow from idea to output without leaving the campus.”
DeSantis said the grant will help create 790 new jobs.
Levy County will receive $1.5 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF). The work will “strengthen critical water infrastructure in Chiefland and its surrounding rural communities, including Horseshoe Beach and Cedar Key areas,” which were hit hard by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton,” DeSantis’ office said.
“These investments are a direct reflection of Gov. DeSantis’ commitment to strengthening Florida’s small and rural communities through critical infrastructure improvements that fuel economic opportunity,” Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly said in a statement. “Reliable utilities, updated wastewater systems, and innovative AgTech hubs are essential to helping Floridians recover from recent storms while also supporting new industries and establishing a solid economic foundation for long-range growth.”
