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Gov. DeSantis awards $750K rural infrastructure grant to Fellsmere

Written by: February 28 2022
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PHOTO BY KAILA JONES

VERO BEACH — Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded the city of Fellsmere $750,000 in state rural infrastructure funds during a brief visit at C.J. Cannon’s restaurant and lounge on Monday. The money will go toward creating a new sewer line that will serve city businesses – including two struggling companies.

The businesses – Florida Shrimp Company and Benchmark Genetics – are in danger of closing because they are without sewer service, Fellsmere City Manager Mark Mathes said during a news briefing held in Vero Beach. City officials are hoping the grant money will keep the companies open.

“With this particular grant, we can save these two businesses and create an opportunity for growth for them,” Mathes said. “To me, this reflects the governor’s commitment to rule America and job growth across Florida. I firmly believe with this project we’ll be able to return multiple times over the initial investment to the state of Florida, Indian River County and Fellsmere with job growth and creation.”

Florida Shrimp Company and Benchmark Genetics are located at Headwaters Commerce Park in Fellsmere. Central sewer will allow Fellsmere to better utilize the 1,000-acre industrial park for manufacturing, wholesale distribution and flight training, Mathes said.

But, the grant money awarded is only 30 percent of the $2.5 million project cost. Mathes said city officials already have a second application pending with the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting funding for the remaining balance.

“We’re not sure when we’ll hear back (from them). Maybe within six months,” Mathes said.

The announcement was part of DeSantis’ move to award more than $4.4 million in funding to southeastern Florida communities. State funding – provided by the rural infrastructure funds, the Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program and Small Cities program – was also awarded to Monroe and Broward counties.

“By connecting Floridians with the resources they need to create jobs, support new talent, and help businesses to stay open and grow, we are supporting Florida’s economic resiliency,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I will continue seeking strategic approaches to long-term opportunity for all Floridians.”

Florida Shrimp Company and Benchmark Genetics were expected to each create more than 100 new jobs, Mathes said. Mathes stood beside Fellsmere Mayor Joel Tyson as DeSantis handed Tyson a large $750,000 check inside a room at C.J. Cannon’s.

“Make good use of this,” DeSantis said as he presented the check to Tyson.

Photos by Kaila Jones

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