Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Friday, Dec. 6, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $20 million in awards to 17 small counties and municipalities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund. "Florida is committed to supporting our rural communities and providing the resources they need for economic growth," said Governor DeSantis. "These investments will support infrastructure improvement, attract businesses and create long-term economic success." The Rural Infrastructure Fund supports the planning and financing of infrastructure projects in rural areas to assist with growth and attract businesses. This year, FloridaCommerce received a record 93 applications requesting over $115 million. The entire $20 million allocated to the program has been awarded to 17 communities, one of which is the City of Live Oak. The city will be receiving $559,365 "to rehabilitate an existing lift station with new equipment and infrastructure to increase capacity, improve reliability and support city growth." City Manager Larry Sessions explained that the money would benefit not just the city, but Suwannee County as well. The plan is to connect the Walmart lift station to the 68th Street lift station, which is closer to the wastewater treatment plant. Sessions stated this connection will save money for both the city and the county in the long run. "I am proud to be able to work with the county," said Sessions. "Greg Scott and I vowed to work together to benefit everyone in our area."