Santa Rosa County is making significant strides in managing its RESTORE Act funds, with approximately $14 million already allocated to 12 projects, according to the latest treasury allocation report presented at the Local RESTORE Council Bi-Annual Meeting on December 3, 2024. Currently, about $3.5 million remains available in the fund, with an expected annual deposit of $1.6 million until February 2031.

The meeting highlighted that eight of the twelve projects have been awarded, with five already completed. This progress positions Santa Rosa County as a leader among the 23 counties in the Gulf consortium, as it becomes the first to have all its projects awarded under the Statewide Comprehensive Plan.

In addition to project updates, the meeting addressed recent changes to federal grant management guidelines, effective from October. These changes, part of the Uniform Guidance under 2 CFR 200, include new requirements for whistleblower protection, cybersecurity, and risk assessments for subawards. Council members were urged to review and update their policies to align with these changes, ensuring readiness for future grant opportunities, particularly those related to the RESTORE Act and Deepwater Horizon funds.

Training for municipal staff was also emphasized, with a call for more educational opportunities to adapt to the evolving grant landscape. The Santa Rosa County grants department has already taken proactive steps, with staff participating in training sessions and earning national certifications to enhance their grant management capabilities.

In a notable development, the Gulf consortium recently informed Santa Rosa County that it will receive $8.8 million for the Navarre Beach affluent relocation project, further underscoring the county's successful grant management and project execution.