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Request to Apply for Florida Commerce for Job Growth Grant for Brooksville - Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center Infrastructure Development Project
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) is a state economic-development grant program established in Section 288.101, Florida Statutes, and administered by Florida Commerce. Its central purpose is to promote economic opportunities through investments in public infrastructure and workforce training. The program is intended to address community-level infrastructure and workforce needs that support economic growth, rather than to provide a direct subsidy to an individual private business.
The proposed project is a public infrastructure improvement project to expand the availability of shovel-ready industrial property at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center (BKV Tech Center), located adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589). With only two serviced sites currently remaining, the project will transform approximately 46 acres of vacant industrial property, including approximately 9 acres dedicated to master drainage and retention, into approximately 37 acres of development-ready industrial property. The project area is also adjacent to approximately 13 acres of designated drainage and retention area (DRA) that supports the overall site infrastructure and stormwater management needs.
The project will include improvements to an existing spine road, construction of an access road, and installation of necessary utility infrastructure to address existing site limitations and prepare the property for industrial, manufacturing, logistics, aviation-related, technology, research and development, and other compatible employment-generating uses. These improvements will expand the BKV Tech Center's inventory of shovel-ready industrial acreage and support future business recruitment, business expansion, private investment, and job creation. The estimated total project cost is $4,990,500 with a local match of 15% ($748,575).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
Strategic Theme: A - Economic & Workforce Opportunity
GOAL A.1 Site-ready locations for companies to grow and expand
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No impact currently; however, if approved $750,000 would be available from the FY26 bond proceeds.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statute.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve the application to Florida Commerce for the Job Growth Grant.