Gov. DeSantis awards grant to Umatilla for infrastructure improvements

UMATILLA, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was back out in Central Florida Tuesday to award millions for infrastructure projects in Lake County.

The governor awarded the city of Umatilla $4.8 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to build out infrastructure for the Lake Ferns Industrial Park project.

This grant award will establish the necessary tangible infrastructure to create sustainable, high-wage jobs inside the city of Umatilla,” said Umatilla Mayor Chris Creech. “The opportunity in our new industrial park will include many trades, such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, fabricators, manufacturing and the list goes on and on.”

The governor also awarded $5.5 million to Plant City in Hillsborough County for a 2.75-mile loop extension, providing access for industrial and commercial development.

The Job Growth Grant Fund is a discretionary fund that allows the governor to dole out money for infrastructure projects and workforce training. Grant proposals are submitted through the Florida Commerce website.

The Florida Legislature allocated $75 million for the fund in last year’s budget.

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