Panama City, Florida, to Receive $20 Million to Fix Storm Water, Sewer & Water Lines After Hurricane Michael
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than $20 million has been awarded to Panama City, Florida, through the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Repair Program.
According to the governor’s website, the funding will be used to make repairs and replace 2.4 miles of water lines, 2.4 miles of storm water lines and 3 miles of sewer lines damaged by Hurricane Michael. The goal of these improvements is to fully restore water quality, functioning storm water drainage and dependable sewer for the area in the wake of the hurricane.
“Since the beginning of my administration, we have remained committed to helping Northwest Florida recover from Hurricane Michael, and today I am proud to award another $20 million to help Panama City’s recovery,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis, reported DeSantis’ website. “This project will make a real difference by restoring water, sewer and storm water infrastructure in the city.”
The program is administered by DEO and invites local governments to develop large-scale infrastructure projects to make communities more resilient to weather events such as hurricanes. DEO administers all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) long-term recovery funds awarded to the state.
Additionally, Rebuild Florida uses federal funding for long-term recovery efforts.
This program is a housing rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement program that will prioritize low-to-moderate income families impacted in the following 12 counties: Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Taylor.
The program opened for applications on Jan. 29, 2021 and the application cycle closed as of Jun. 30, 2021.
“In a state that often experiences unpredictable natural disasters, we are fortunate to have the leadership of Gov. DeSantis to support these recovery efforts,” said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, reported DeSantis’ website. “We are very pleased to be able to assist the people of Panama City with this award and will continue to strengthen Florida by fulfilling the needs of all communities.”
