U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $9.9 Million for Infrastructure Improvements to Support Economic Resiliency in Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $9.9 million to the state of Florida for infrastructure improvements to support economic resiliency following natural disasters.

The EDA investments announced today are:

• The city of Sanford will receive $5 million for construction of a seawall around Marina Island to mitigate future flooding and support redevelopment of the downtown business district. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.2 million in local funds.

• The Washington County Board of County Commissioners, Chipley, will receive $4.9 million for infrastructure improvements at the Washington County Industrial Park to support the manufacturing sector. This EDA investment will be matched with $3.4 million in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These awards will provide businesses in Sanford and Chipley with the resources they need to grow and thrive following recent natural disasters and help communities in the region mitigate the impacts of future disasters.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “These projects will provide critical infrastructure improvements to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs.”

“I’m pleased to see the U.S. Department of Commerce invest $5 million to strengthen Sanford, Florida’s infrastructure and safeguard the city from future natural disasters,” said Representative Cory Mills (FL-7). “The construction of a seawall around Marina Island is a crucial step in flood mitigation. This project will support the revitalization of our downtown small business district, laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Sanford’s commitment is evident in its $2.2 million contribution in matched local funds, showing a strong dedication to building a safer, more prosperous community. I appreciate Senator Rick Scott for his leadership on this disaster relief legislation, as well as Secretary Gina Raimondo and the Economic Development Administration for backing a project that will significantly benefit the area.”

These projects are funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.