Sopchoppy commission adopts grants to seek funding for historic high school rehab and waterline upgrades

The Sopchoppy City Commission on June 23 adopted two resolutions authorizing grant applications to state agencies for building rehabilitation and water infrastructure improvements.

City Clerk Ashley Schilling presented Resolution 2026-04, authorizing submittal of a Special Category grant application to the Florida Department of State, Division of Historic Resources, for rehabilitation of the Historic Sopchoppy High School. The resolution was read by title and adopted after a motion from Councilwoman Westmark and a second from Councilman McClendon; the vote was 4–0.

Schilling then presented Resolution 2026-05, authorizing submittal of a Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant application to the Florida Department of Commerce for waterline upgrades intended to increase system capacity and fire‑flow protection. That resolution was also read by title and adopted on the same 4–0 vote after a motion by Westmark and a second from McClendon.

Both resolutions authorize designated signatories to execute all required application documents if the City proceeds with the grant submittals. No public debate or amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes. The City will proceed with the application process and return to the commission if required documents or matching-fund decisions are needed.

The actions now permit city staff to prepare and submit the state applications; final award decisions and funding amounts will be determined by the respective state agencies if the applications are accepted.