TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is awarding $2.7 million to four Jacksonville area communities to improve housing, streetscapes, and water and sewer projects in those areas.

In total, DEO is awarding more than $21 million to 32 communities across the state with Small Cities Community Development Block Grants, which assist with economic development, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood and commercial revitalization. 

DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “DEO is committed to helping communities in the Jacksonville area prosper. These grants will improve local infrastructure, which is a critical building block for strong communities and economic development.”

The following projects in the Jacksonville area are recipients of the block grants:

• Town of Baldwin: $650,000 to upgrade the town's looped water distribution system and water treatment plant.
• Town of Interlachen: $650,000 to fund the construction of 7,800 linear feet in street improvements, 4,200 linear feet of new potable water lines, provide hook-ups to low-income households, and construct 3,770 linear feet of replacement water lines.
• Town of Lake Butler: $650,000 to fund sewer line replacement activities, sewer plant improvement activities, and recreation improvements.
• Putnam County: $750,000 to assist a minimum of 11 low- and moderate-income residents with necessary repairs to bring their homes into compliance with building code regulations.

For more information about the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and details on how to apply, visit www.floridajobs.org/smallcitiescdbg.