Rural Counties Get Grant Money

Glades Commissioner Butch Jones Thanks Bush

MOORE HAVEN, FLORIDA -- Governor Jeb Bush today awarded a $75,000 Rural Regional Development Grant to Florida�s Heartland Rural Economic Development Initiative, Inc. (FHREDI). The funds will be used to promote economic development efforts in south central Florida, as well as advance job creation, business retention and expansion, and economic initiatives.

"Through their strategic focus and hard work, Florida�s Heartland Rural Economic Development Initiative has proven to be an outstanding partner with the state, helping promote and increase viable economic programs and initiatives in Florida�s heartland region," said Governor Bush.  "I am pleased to provide this rural development grant to the organization to further its efforts to enhance that base."

FHREDI is a regional economic development organization serving the south central counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee, as well as the Immokalee community and the Glades Communities of Pahokee, Belle Glade, South Bay.  In 2001, Governor Bush designated this south central region of the State as one of three �Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern.

"The support provided by the Governor and his Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development is critical to continuing the momentum in the Heartland of Florida," said K.S. (Butch) Jones, Glades City Commissioner and Chairman of FHREDI.   �We cannot express enough our appreciation to the Governor.  We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.  Thank you!"