Grand Ridge city officials today kicked off construction of the town’s waterline extension project south along State Road 69 to the Interstate-10 interchange. The new line will provide potable water and sufficient fire flow for businesses in the area. The town has received $108,699 in Rural Business Enterprise Grant funding from USDA Rural Development and $321,339 from the Northwest Florida Water Management District for construction of the waterline extension. The Town of Grand Ridge is contributing another $66,339 toward the project.
The waterline improvements are expected to increase opportunity for economic development within the town of Grand Ridge. “Communities that grow and thrive are dependent on adequate infrastructure to support economic vitality,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Richard A. Machek. “Investing in basic community infrastructure will pay dividends for the town and for its residents,” said State Director Machek about the project.
Grand Ridge, a rural community of nearly 900, is located in northwest Florida’s Jackson County and has operated a water system since 1964. The waterline extension will provide water to local businesses, Handi-Mart #7 Convenience Store and the Glolden Lariat. The extension will also provide adequate water flow requirements for operation as well as sufficient water pressure throughout the system.
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.