Public comment needed for Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program 

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has made available $67 million through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program (IRP) to communities impacted by Hurricane Sally. The program is designed to provide funding for local governments to strategically rebuild and harden infrastructure to prevent and reduce losses from future disasters. Submission deadline is April 4, 2023. State agencies and local governments within the federal and state Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas are eligible to apply for funding. Eligible counties include Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay. 

To be considered eligible for funding, applicants must propose programs or projects that align with CDBG-DR and DEO requirements and priorities that include but are not limited to:

- Projects must demonstrate tie-back to Hurricane Sally, and may incorporate mitigation measures;

- Projects must not duplicate benefits;

- Projects must support Low to Moderate Income (LMI) housing needs;

- Projects must primarily serve LMI populations; or

- Project must demonstrate an urgent need in the community.

Santa Rosa County Proposed IRP Projects

Citizens are invited to provide public comment on the proposed projects March 6 – March 21, 2023. Submit comments in writing to [email protected] or Santa Rosa County Grants and Special Programs, 6495 Caroline Street, Suite G, Milton, FL 32570-4595.

Floridatown Drainage - Drainage analysis to identify inadequate existing drainage infrastructure and determine costs/feasibility and scope of flood relief options within the basin area. Surrounding areas to include Pace Mill Creek and Spencer Field Basins.

Janet Street Drainage - Drainage analysis to identify inadequate existing drainage infrastructure and determine costs/feasibility and scope of flood relief options in the Janet Street area. Surrounding areas to include portions of East Bay Drainage Basin and Direct Runoff to Bay.

Pine Blossom Road Drainage - Construction of drainage improvements identified in the Pine Blossom drainage analysis.

Information on this program may also be viewed at www.santarosa.fl.gov/1001/Rebuild-Florida-Infrastructure-Repair-Pr.