TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Friday, Governor Rick Scott announced that the final awards for the 2017-2018 Florida Job Growth Grant Fund have been made, granting six additional communities with more than $16 million in funding. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature, provided a total of $85 million for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. Through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Governor Scott has awarded 33 proposals that are estimated to return more than $321,500,000 to the state. Of these proposals, more than $19 million was awarded to 11 rural communities.
Here’s what this round of grantees are saying:
Kathy Bryant, Chairman of the Marion County Commission said, “The commitment of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to the future Florida Crossroads Commerce Park will pay huge dividends for Marion County and the State of Florida. We are so excited to partner with the state to bring thousands of new jobs to our community.”
Carlos Hernandez, Mayor of the City of Hialeah, said, “We are very thankful to Governor Rick Scott for providing this grant. It will play a major role in the development of approximately 500 acres of vacant land for industrial warehouse uses. This new industrial center will make a significant impact in the economic development and job creation, not only in our City, but all of South Florida.”
Dr. Kamela Patton, Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools, said, “On behalf of Collier County Public Schools and the Immokalee Technical College, we are extremely grateful to Governor Scott and his team from the Department of Economic Opportunity for supporting this important initiative for Southwest Florida. This award, with the support from the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, will allow us to develop a new Center for Manufacturing Excellence to expand on training opportunities to support the growing manufacturing careers in our area. The new center will allow for the expansion of machining training, as well as new opportunities for additional programming to enhance the skillsets of individuals currently in the field, and for those seeking employment in our growing high skill high wage careers in manufacturing. This initiative will truly change lives and impact our local economy in a positive way!”
Gavin Rollins, Clay County Board of Commissioners Chairman said, “Clay County appreciates the state partnering with us on this vital road project. As our community experiences significant growth, this roadway opens the opportunity for a new major employment hub project and will eventually connect new and existing neighborhoods and thriving businesses to the First Coast Expressway Corridor. Job growth continues to be a priority and this new roadway project allows us to bring the infrastructure needed to make economic development priorities like this a reality for our future success.”
Dr. John Holdnak, President of Gulf Coast State College said, “This support from Governor Scott’s Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is a critical and instrumental piece in Gulf Coast State College’s efforts to lead transformational change in the economy of Northwest Florida. This generous support will allow us to kick start our Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Institute, bringing international leaders in advanced manufacturing and related field together with a coalition of education faculty and students – creating a global center for excellence, and a catalyst for advanced manufacturing jobs in our region. We couldn’t be more honored to help address the Governor’s goal of attracting more businesses and industries to Florida, and providing the trained workforce to meet their employment needs!”
Gloria Bishop, Withlacoochee Technical College Director said, “We, at Withlacoochee Technical College, are honored to be one of the recipients of the Florida Job Growth Grant. This grant will provide the opportunity for us to start a construction program in Citrus County to help fill the need for skilled trained workers in a growing industry.”
For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.
