City of Palm Bay Awarded $3.5 Million for Phoenix Business Park Infrastructure

Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded the City of Palm Bay $3.5 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support wastewater infrastructure for the planned Phoenix Business Park.

The Phoenix Business Park is a key component of the City's redevelopment plans for the currently undeveloped northeast portion of the Compound. The project will extend wastewater infrastructure through the construction of approximately 16,000 linear feet of 12-inch sanitary sewer force main, providing the capacity needed to prepare the property for future industrial and commercial development.

"This $3.5 million investment is a major win for the City of Palm Bay and an important step forward in our vision for the Phoenix Business Park," said Mayor Rob Medina. "I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly for recognizing the potential that exists here in Palm Bay and investing in the infrastructure needed to help us realize it. I also want to thank Deputy Mayor Mike Jaffe, Councilman Mike Hammer, and City staff for representing Palm Bay at the Governor's press conference in Jacksonville. We have significant opportunities ahead of us in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense and other high-value industries, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity to create more jobs in Palm Bay and build a stronger economic future for our city."

"This grant is another important step in Palm Bay's ongoing strategic effort to create jobs, expand opportunity and strengthen our community," said City Manager Matthew Morton. "I commend the Mayor and City Council for their leadership and vision in making purposeful investments that leverage our resources and position Palm Bay as a key partner in the success of the Space Coast, now and into the future."

The planned Phoenix Business Park is part of the City's strategy to attract and support targeted industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing, technology and engineering services, logistics and distribution, and clean technology and advanced materials.

The wastewater expansion is expected to unlock approximately 960,000 square feet of future industrial and commercial space. The first phase of the development supported by the project is projected to generate approximately $42 million in direct private capital investment and create more than 350 direct jobs.

The City has committed $1 million in matching funds, bringing the total project funding to $4.5 million. The state grant will be used for construction, while the City's contribution will support engineering, easement acquisition and construction costs.

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund supports public infrastructure and workforce training projects that promote economic development throughout the state. Palm Bay's award was announced August 31 during a press conference in Jacksonville as part of nearly $23 million in state investments focused on strengthening Florida's defense workforce, military communities and industrial base.