Key Takeaways
- Governor Ron DeSantis announced $23.5 million in new state funding through CDBG-DR and the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.
- The City of Newberry will receive $5.6 million to upgrade roadway and water infrastructure at the F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park.
- The investment supports Florida’s expanding AgTech sector, including Harvest Singularity’s 50 planned hydroponics jobs.
- Citrus and Levy counties will use funding to modernize wastewater and utility systems.
- State leaders highlighted the role of these investments in job creation, economic resilience, and rural community development.
Funding Supports Agriculture Technology Expansion and Regional Infrastructure Needs in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced $23.5 million in new state funding aimed at supporting AgTech development in Newberry while upgrading critical utility infrastructure in Citrus and Levy counties. The funding, provided through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) programs, is intended to enhance economic resilience and support long-term job creation.
$5.6 Million Allocated to Newberry’s AgFoodTech Innovation Park
The City of Newberry has been awarded $5.6 million to improve roadway and water infrastructure at the Newberry F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park, a site positioned to support Florida’s fast-growing agricultural technology sector.
The investment follows confirmation that Harvest Singularity will become the park’s first tenant, bringing 50 jobs in hydroponics. Overall, the infrastructure improvements are expected to help generate nearly 790 jobs in the wider Newberry area.
Florida State Leaders Emphasize Economic and Community Impact
Governor DeSantis stated that strengthening infrastructure is key to supporting local competitiveness and economic resilience.
“Florida continues to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our communities strong and competitive,” he said. “By improving wastewater capacity in Citrus County, expanding AgTech infrastructure in Newberry, and modernizing utility systems in Levy County, we are ensuring that these communities have the resources they need to attract new jobs, support business expansion and build long-term economic resilience.”
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly highlighted the importance of reliable utilities and AgTech hubs in supporting recovery and future growth.
“Reliable utilities, updated wastewater systems, and innovative AgTech hubs are essential to helping Floridians recover from recent storms while also supporting new industries and establishing a solid economic foundation for long-range growth,” Kelly said.
