The City of Pensacola was informed earlier this week it had been awarded $608,200 from FloridaCommerce through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. This grant program supports infrastructure projects deemed to have an impact on the military value of installations within the state. The aim of this local project is to identify property near Naval Air Station Pensacola and develop it for affordable housing for military personnel and their families while fostering economic development in the city.
The proposed initiative aims to address the increasing challenge of affordable housing faced by junior enlisted personnel at NAS Pensacola. By securing strategically located land for development, the city seeks to enhance military readiness and retention, reduce commuting times, and alleviate financial stress for military families.
“I am grateful to Governor DeSantis and his team for recognizing the value of NAS Pensacola to our community,” says Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. “This is a huge win for our Grants and Economic Development staff for acquiring this grant. We now begin the search for the right location so we can make a difference for our young heroes. This is a project representing a partnership between Pensacola and NAS Pensacola to ensure service members can thrive both on and off duty.”
The city understands the rising costs of housing in the region have created significant financial burdens for military families, particularly among junior enlisted personnel. By securing the land, the project ensures long-term availability of affordable housing options, enhancing the quality of life for service members, and supporting military readiness.
The project is slated to begin July 1, 2025 and is expected to be complete by April 1, 2026. Pensacola was one of 8 projects funded through this latest round of the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. Additional information on the program can be found here.
For more information about the City of Pensacola’s affordable housing initiative, visit our Housing Department on our city website, www.cityofpensacola.com.
