TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) applauds Governor Ron DeSantis and the Legislature for their continued support of economic development priorities through funding for the Rural Infrastructure Fund and Military and Defense programs.

“Economic development, job growth, and infrastructure are part and parcel of Governor DeSantis’s pursuit of rapid recovery and expansion for all Florida businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Jamal Sowell, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “We appreciate the Florida Legislature’s support for Florida businesses and these priorities, which will provide invaluable resources to our communities throughout the state.”

The Rural Infrastructure Fund is funded at $5 million and encourages job growth and economic development targeted at Florida’s rural communities still recovering from the impacts of 2018’s Hurricane Michael through the planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects.

In addition, the Florida Defense Support Task Force is funded at $2 million, the Military Base Protection & Defense Reinvestment program is funded at $800,000, and Defense Infrastructure is funded at $1.6 million. These funds support grant programs that are used by military communities to increase the impact of national security programs, as well as support needed infrastructure and help to prevent encroachment on military installations.

“We are grateful for the Legislature’s funding for these crucial initiatives,” said Holly Borgmann, Vice Chairman of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors. “EFI Board Chairman Governor DeSantis has proven that he is laser-focused on supporting businesses and using all the tools available to attract business to our state. We support him for doing so.”

Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis and through the support of funding from the 2021 Legislative Session, Enterprise Florida will continue to position Florida as an economic engine for the country and the world.

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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, and small business growth through international trade and exporting programs. Governor Ron DeSantis serves as chairman of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors.

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