CONTACT:
Trudy McCarthy
Executive Vice President
(321) 638-2000
TMcCarthy@SpaceCoastEDC.org

Gov. DeSantis announces EDC awarded Defense Reinvestment Grant funding

Grant to strengthen EDC military support efforts

Space Coast, FL (June 08, 2022) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) has been awarded a $79,200 Defense Reinvestment Grant (DRG) to strengthen its efforts directly supporting Patrick Space Force Base, including the EDC’s Space Coast Salutes initiative, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program and Veteran’s Florida SkillBridge program.

The Defense Reinvestment Grant Program provides support to community-based activities that protect existing military installations. These grants are awarded to applicants that represent a local government with a military installation that could be adversely affected by federal actions.

In a release from Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the defense grant projects, the Governor stated, “I am proud to continue making investments in Florida’s military communities and upholding my administration’s commitment to keeping Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we value those who protect and serve our nation and the sacrifices that their families make. That is why we work to provide tangible support that enhances the lives and communities of service members for generations to come.”

Local military installations have a total economic impact of over $1.2 billion. This includes nearly 11,000 base personnel and indirect jobs nearing 5,200.

“The EDC understands the positive impact of our military installations and their personnel to our community, and economy,” said Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO of the EDC. “As a 2022 Great American Defense Community, the Space Coast continues our legacy of strong military support, and the EDC is proud to contribute to this distinctive honor.”

For more information on Military Community programs, please visit FloridaJobs.org/Military-Community-Programs.

###

About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.