By GARETT VALCOURT
The Florida Senate has passed a comprehensive legislative package aimed at revitalizing rural communities across the state, with Holmes and Washington counties among those expected to benefit. The Rural Renaissance bill (SB 110), led by Tallahassee Republican Sen. Corey Simon, secured unanimous approval in a 39-0 vote on Wednesday.
The bill, which directs $200.8 million into the Rural Infrastructure Fund and redirects $100 million from the state’s general revenue, aims to expand education, improve healthcare services, upgrade infrastructure, and foster economic growth in rural areas. Senate President Ben Albritton, a key advocate for the initiative, emphasized the importance of rural communities shaping their own future while benefiting from state support.
“Our rural communities are full of opportunity, and that doesn’t just mean development,” Albritton said. “Our Rural Renaissance package provides opportunities for rural communities to grow as they see fit, based on decisions made by local families and businesses who call rural Florida home.”
The legislation takes a multifaceted approach to economic development and infrastructure improvement in rural Florida. Some of the main initiatives include:
Infrastructure Development
- Florida Arterial Road Modernization (FARM) Program – Establishes funding for rural road networks, improving transportation access and economic connectivity.
- Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) Expansion – Directs additional resources to improve road infrastructure in small counties.
- Rural Infrastructure Fund – Allocates $200.8 million to support local development projects, including roadways, broadband expansion, and commercial hubs.
Economic Growth & Business Support
- Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund – Increases funding to assist small businesses, providing them with more financial resources to expand and sustain operations.
- Coordination of Federal Broadband Programs – Enhances internet access in rural communities to facilitate commerce, education, and healthcare services.
Healthcare Access Expansion
- Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric Response and Education (SCORE) Grant Program – Aims to improve emergency medical services in rural areas.
- Rural Access to Primary and Preventative Care (RAPP-C) Grant Program – Encourages primary care physicians and advanced practice nurses to work in underserved communities through financial incentives.
Education and Workforce Development
- Regional Education Consortia Expansion – Provides additional resources to enhance educational opportunities in rural school districts.
- Rural Incentive for Professional Educators (RIPE) Program – Establishes financial incentives to attract and retain teachers in rural schools.
The bill also revises the criteria for counties classified as fiscally constrained, allowing them to receive additional sales and use tax revenue distributions. These funds can be used for public safety, emergency services, infrastructure projects, and other local needs.
Holmes and Washington counties, along with other rural areas in Florida’s Panhandle, stand to gain direct benefits from this initiative. These counties have long faced challenges such as economic stagnation, population decline, limited access to essential services, and inadequate infrastructure.
The bill’s investments in road improvements, broadband expansion, and workforce incentives could help revitalize the local economy, attract new businesses, and enhance essential services such as education and healthcare.
Representatives from Holmes, Washington, and other rural counties will be in Tallahassee on Thursday for ‘Rural Counties Day,’ where they will advocate for continued state investment and showcase the needs of their communities.
With bipartisan support and strong state funding commitments, the Rural Renaissance bill is expected to provide long-term improvements to Holmes and Washington counties, fostering economic sustainability, modernized infrastructure, and better access to essential services. As the legislation moves forward, local leaders and residents will monitor its implementation to ensure their communities receive the maximum benefits.
