Newberry Set to Receive $2 Million In State Funding

NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry has received state funding worth $2 million to fund critical infrastructure projects that city officials say will promote economic growth and improve regional utility services.

A $1 million Florida Legislative appropriation will be utilized to construct an elevated water storage tank on State Road 26, marking a key investment toward enhancing economic development along the main corridor. This elevated tank will provide the required water storage and pressure to foster economic development opportunities between the University of Florida, unincorporated Alachua County and Newberry. The new tank will also support the City’s efforts to expand the City’s Agri-Tech Innovation Park, projected to generate 1,600 direct jobs and 7,905 indirect/induced jobs over its lifecycle.

An additional $1 million in Legislative appropriated funding will be directed toward the City's regional wastewater treatment plant project. This project serves to bolster Newberry’s utility services and introduces centralized and regional treatment options for neighboring communities and unincorporated areas of Alachua County. This upgrade is poised to drive regional economic growth while resolving pressing environmental challenges, such as failed septic systems and impaired waterways. The new plant will utilize innovative treatment processes to reduce harmful nutrients, remove approximately 600 septic tanks from neighboring communities and serve future growth for the next 30 years.

“We are delighted with the support we've received from the State Legislature,” said City Manager Mike New. “These grants are a testament to Newberry's future-focused planning and our commitment to environmental stewardship and economic vitality.”

Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe expressed his gratitude to Senators Keith Perry and Jennifer Bradley as well as Representative Chuck Clemons, saying, “We sincerely thank Senator Bradley, Senator Perry, and Representative Clemons for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Newberry. Their support was instrumental in securing these grants, which will significantly enhance our infrastructure and contribute to the regional economic and environmental sustainability."

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