FL H1209

Requires agency agreements providing federal or state financial assistance to rural counties or municipalities to include provisions allowing payment of invoices for verified and eligible performance completed under the agreement terms.

Reduces the maximum Rural Infrastructure Fund grant award from 75 percent to 50 percent of total infrastructure project cost, while maintaining 100 percent funding eligibility for projects in fiscally constrained counties or rural areas of opportunity.

Removes the requirement that eligible infrastructure projects be related to specific job-creation or job-retention opportunities, expanding eligible uses to include any inadequate infrastructure improvements.

Deletes provisions allowing Rural Infrastructure Fund grants for broadband Internet service and access, and removes the 30 percent dual grant award threshold restriction for planning and preparation activities.

Modifies local funding match requirements for surveys and feasibility studies from 50 percent to 33 percent for rural areas of opportunity, while maintaining the $300,000 maximum grant amount for such projects.

Effective date: July 1, 2023.