Liberty County, Bristol

and Blountstown get

project funding for

much-needed repairs

BONIFAY, FL –  Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded nearly $8.8 million to 12 small and rural communities across Northwest Florida to support critical infrastructure investments and community development projects on Thursday, Aug. 20. The funding, awarded through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program, will support projects that strengthen local infrastructure, enhance community resiliency and promote long-term economic growth.

Liberty County, along with the cities of Blountstown and Bristol, were among the recipients for local projects which will include upgrades to the Bristol Boat Ramp, improvements to the water systems in Neal Subdivision, Smith Circle and Hall Circle in Liberty County and updates on Blountstown’s wastewater system.

Bristol City Clerk Chris Vowell said funds will be spent on a new 10-inch production well at the HUD water storage tank on North SR 12, near Garden of Eden.  Improvements will also be made at Shuler Lane, where new waterlines and fire hydrants will be installed.

In addition to these projects, significant improvements have been made to the City’s wastewater system, said Vowell.  Approximately 66 residences in the Hall and Smith Circle area were removed from grinder pump systems and connected to gravity sewer service. He added that at least two homes had elevations too low to be removed from their grinder pump systems and connected to gravity sewer.

Approximately 25 residences along Miller Road are also being connected to gravity sewer service.

The City Council continues to actively seek additional funding opportunities to improve and expand the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure and provide reliable services to its residents, the clerk said.

“This morning in Bonifay, I was pleased to announce more than $8.8 million in funding for critical infrastructure and community development projects in 12 small and rural Florida communities,” said Gov. DeSantis. “These Community Development Block Grant awards will help improve water and wastewater systems, stormwater infrastructure, roads, and workforce housing. These investments promote long-term economic growth that will help rural Florida families thrive for many years to come.”

“Strong infrastructure and thoughtful community planning are essential to creating opportunities in Florida’s small and rural communities,” said Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, these investments will help communities address critical water, wastewater, roadway and infrastructure needs while strengthening economic readiness and long-term resiliency. These projects give local leaders the resources they need to build stronger communities, support businesses and create greater opportunities for Floridians.”

The following communities will receive an award through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program:

• City of Blountstown ($1,185,576) – to implement critical improvements to its aging wastewater collection and treatment facility.
• City of Bonifay ($1,500,000) – to construct utility infrastructure improvements through the Decon Road Sewer Extension project.
• City of Bristol ($786,440) – to address potable water issues associated with the Shuler Lane well and waterline replacement project.
• City of Gretna ($1,257,800) – to implement improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment facility, and paving and roadway improvements along 6th Street.
• Franklin County ($1,769,250) – to improve water and sewer infrastructure while supporting future workforce housing development.
• Liberty County ($1,260,540) – to improve the Bristol Boat Ramp roadway, providing primary access to the Apalachicola River.
• Town of Malone ($622,375) – to rehabilitate two potable water wells and improve the town’s public water system.

The following communities will receive an award through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program:

• Apalachee Regional Planning Council ($75,000) – to conduct a Regional Vertiport Study for the following counties: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla.
• City of Chipley ($75,000) – to complete an Economic Readiness and Planning Implementation Strategy.
• City of Freeport ($75,000) – to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan to support long-term industrial and commercial development.
• Holmes County ($75,000) – to develop the County’s GIS and Public Planning Map.
• Town of Century ($75,000) – to develop a hydraulic model of the Town’s municipal drinking water system.

The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by FloridaCommerce, provides funding to eligible local governments for infrastructure, housing and economic development activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program provides funding to support communities in creating strategic plans to address local economic challenges, meet statutory planning requirements and assist in community resiliency efforts.

For more information about the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program and the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

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