MOORE HAVEN -- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Moore Haven on Feb. 23 to announce infrastructure improvement funding planned for Glades County.

“We have an infrastructure fund for rural communities,” explained the governor. “I love doing it with rural communities because I can bring a significant amount of money and it really goes a long way. People appreciate it when you’re looking out for them.”

He said he thinks putting money into rural infrastructure is a good use of tax dollars and “we get a lot of bang for the buck.

“We’re awarding more than $1 million from our rural infrastructure funds for projects right here in Glades County,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to support design and construction of roadway improvements as well as stormwater drainage projects in the City of Moore Haven to help revitalize the downtown area.

“It will make the roadway safer for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. It will also improve the drainage system to prevent flooding downtown while protecting the Caloosahatchee River from polluted water,” he said.

“The Legislature is in session now,” he said. “We’re seeking another $100 million for our rural infrastructure fund. If we get that, you guys can tell me what you need, and we can come back and do even more for Glades and other counties.”

DeSantis said his administration is also seeking another $100 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund for infrastructure or workforce. He said workforce funding has been used to provide more commercial driver’s license and diesel mechanics training.

Secretary of the Florida Lottery John Davis said he was raised in Pahokee. “I understand first hand the hardships and the challenges that small towns such as Moore Haven face every single day, from access to vital infrastructure and resources to high paying jobs, our rural communities are often left behind and overlooked,” he said.