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Governor Ron DeSantis signs infrastructure bill into law to boost rural economy

DeSantis speaks at a podium during a press conference
Wilfredo Lee
/
AP

DeSantis announced the signing of House Bill 1209 to aid fiscally constrained communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF).

Rural counties across North Florida are getting a much-needed boost in funding this summer. The money pairs with a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday that expands the state’s rural infrastructure fund to make financing for things like new roads or water treatment systems easier.

The bill’s sponsor Rep. Jason Shoaf(R-Dixie) says the measure will level the playing field.

“The bill has kept its focus on rural economic development by requiring all agency agreements to include a specific provision that ensures rural counties and municipalities facing financial hardships, are eligible for direct payments from the agency,” Shoaf said while laying out the bill during the House legislative session in May.

HB 1209 goes into effect July 1.

Adrian Andrews is a multimedia journalist with WFSU Public Media. He is a Gadsden County native and a first-generation college graduate from Florida A&M University. Adrian is also a military veteran, ending his career as a Florida Army National Guard Non-Comissioned Officer.

Adrian has experience in print writing, digital content creation, documentary, and film production. He has spent the last four years on the staff of several award-winning publications such as The Famuan, Gadsden County News Corp, and Cumulus Media before joining the WFSU news team.