The City of Fort Pierce will receive $2.7 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund from Governor Ron DeSantis for infrastructure improvements.
FLORIDA’S FORT PIERCE —
Through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Governor Ron DeSantis today presented the City of Fort Pierce with a check for more than $2.7 million. To promote economic growth and provide employment closer to where citizens live, the City of Fort Pierce will enable infrastructural upgrades and the rebuilding of the city’s historic downtown district. An estimated 1,353 employment will be supported by these initiatives in the Fort Pierce region.
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “In Florida, we are committed to making smart investments in our communities that promote economic development and improve the lives of hard-working Floridians.
“This project will boost the local economy and provide residents in Fort Pierce access to jobs closer to home.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ direction, Florida municipalities have received more than $93.5 million via the Governor’s Job Growth Grant Fund since August 2021. This fact demonstrates the Governor’s dedication to the growth and resilience of our state’s economy, according to Dane Eagle, secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). “I look forward to the effect this project will have on the Fort Pierce community. Each project granted via this program is a testament of our state’s continued commitment.”
Data from the US Census Bureau show that 81.2 percent of people who live in the City of Fort Pierce work outside the municipality. Daily daily mileage is more than 10 miles for 27.8% of commuters and greater than 50 miles for another 27.6%. More employment possibilities will be available to Fort Pierce citizens as a result of rehabilitation work in the city’s historic downtown waterfront district. By promoting new companies and supporting the economy, the initiative is expected to generate economic growth and create employment.
A.E. Backus Avenue pedestrian safety will be improved, Indian River Drive from Marina Way to Seaway Drive will be rebuilt, old utilities will be updated, and Moore’s Creek Bridge engineering, permitting, demolition, and utility relocation will be made easier thanks to the project.
An economic development initiative called the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is intended to support state-wide public infrastructure and workforce development. Governor DeSantis selects proposals after DEO and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) have vetted them to address community desires for infrastructure improvements or workforce training.
Proposals are still being accepted by DEO and EFI up until all cash has been distributed. Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth for additional details.