Governor DeSantis awards $7.5 million to support Lee infrastructure improvements

Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $7.5 million to Lee County through the Job Growth Grant Fund to support the Lee County shrimping industry, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian. The award will be used to rebuild and enhance the shrimp fleet dockage facility at the publicly owned San Carlos Maritime Park.

Through this award, the dual-purpose facility will serve as an emergency operations site to launch barges and provide a place for local shrimping vessels to dock and transfer products to distribution trucks. Infrastructure improvements will include a bulkhead for barge operations, port enhancements, loading docks, and mooring points.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis, today’s investment in Lee County will go a long way in reviving a high-value local shrimping industry that was kneecapped by Hurricane Ian,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Rebuilding the dockage facility in San Carlos Maritime Park will invite small businesses back to the area and provide new opportunities for local restaurants, trucking companies and other small businesses. “

Since 2019, more than $217 million has been awarded through the Job Growth Grant Fund, making strategic investments in programs that build stronger communities and support workforce training across the state. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and are chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.

For more information on the Job Growth Grant Fund, click here.