Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the commitment to Florida’s economically distressed rural counties and communities during their visit to Hamilton County last week. While other counties’ budgets are experiencing rapid increases as property values rise, rural counties, which are limited in their growth potential, often have difficulty simply meeting basic needs. As part of their policy and budget recommendations, the Governor and Lt. Governor are proposing $301 million for small rural communities.

“Prosperity and opportunity are the hallmark of our state, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are a reality for all Floridians,” said Gov. Bush from the steps of the courthouse in Jasper. “Many rural counties in Florida are not experiencing the same robust economic growth as the rest of the state, which is why we must provide the assistance necessary for essential services and future growth. I am committed to our rural counties as they strive to meet the needs of their citizens.”

“The proposed $301 million will assist fiscally constrained rural communities meet critical needs for their residents, like building additional schools, infrastructure and health needs,” stated Lt. Gov. Jennings. “Governor Bush and I recognize the many challenges our small rural counties face and are committed to providing significant support.”

Hamilton County is one of the 14 rural counties in the third designated Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern. The Governor’s initiatives would provide additional, targeted and flexible funding assistance to those areas in need throughout the state.

The proposal includes:

$15 million in new recurring funds that would be distributed to fiscally constrained counties on a formula basis to be used by the counties to meet their greatest needs.

$9 million in additional funds in recognition of the relatively higher operating cost of smaller school districts due to sparse student population.

$55 million for construction of schools.

$46 million in grants for infrastructure needs such as transportation, wastewater treatment and rural infrastructure grants: $25 million for Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP); $5.3 million for Small County Outreach Program (SCOP); $13 million for Small Community Wastewater Treatment Grants; $2.7 million for Rural Infrastructure Grants, a $550,000 increase.

$145 million for community assets: $1 million to fund capital improvements for rural hospitals, county health departments, Federally Qualified Rural Health Centers, and other safety net providers; $119.7 million for new prison facilities in three rural counties; $5 million to defer juvenile detention cost shift impacts in fiscally constrained counties; $19.3 million for rural community development, library, recycling, and environmental grants.

$10 million for statewide restoration projects.

$6.5 million to continue funding of Solid Waste Management Grants (Recycling Grants) to Small Counties.

$1.3 million to continue funding of the Rural Community Development Grants Program.

$100,000 to continue funding of the Community Libraries in Caring Program.

$1 million to continue development of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.

$350,000 to continue funding the Small County Technical Assistance Program in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Since 1999, rural counties have experienced a substantial increase in the number of economic development projects facilitated with state assistance. Under the leadership of Gov. Bush, the state has provided over $62.6 million in economic development assistance and related programs to rural communities-supporting more than 91 projects in 27 rural counties and communities, creating 8,930 jobs, and infusing approximately $894 million in new capital investment.

During his visit on Friday, the Gov. cited the progress that has been made in the northwest Florida Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern, but recognized the significant challenges that still remained.

For more information on the Bush Administration’s recommended budget for the coming fiscal year visit the website www.myflorida.com.