Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity ( DEO ), the RIF program provides funding to facilitate the planning , preparing , and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities , which encourages job creation , capital investment , and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies .
Eligible activities for the program include improvements to public infrastructure for industrial or commercial sites , upgrades to or development of public tourism infrastructure , improvements to access and availability of broadband internet service , and improvements to inadequate infrastructure that has resulted in regulatory action .
The following communities will receive awards through the RIF Program : �
■ City of Apalachicola ($ 300,000 ) — to conduct planning and design for improvements to the City ’ s stormwater conveyance system . �
■ City of Belle Glade ($ 291,732 ) — to conduct planning and design for stormwater improvements throughout the City ’ s downtown area . �
■ City of Gretna ($ 3,501,840 ) — to extend water , sewer , and roadway infrastructure for a new manufacturing business in an underdeveloped commercial site . � improvements within Pioneer Park . �
■ City of Lawtey ($ 300,000 ) — to complete the first phase of the City ’ s design effort to upgrade its municipal water distribution system . �
■ City of Macclenny ($ 905,000 ) – to extend the City ’ s water and sewer utilities to allow business development in an underdeveloped area and serve the local elementary school . �
■ City of Palatka ($ 555,518 ) — to replace aged and failing potable water lines along an economic corridor to support economic activity and retain 15 jobs .
■ Suwannee County ($ 764,601 ) — to extend sewer infrastructure to support a new hotel and businesses at the I-10 interchange . �
■ Town of White Springs ($ 300,000 ) — to conduct Town-wide water system improvements , including water main and service replacements , extensions , and upgrades .
■ Hardee County ($ 235,000 ) — to conduct planning and design for significant sewer
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