According to Dispatches from DeFuniak, the Walton County Commission has partnered with the city councils of DeFuniak Springs and Freeport to create a plan for the installation of water and sewer lines along Hwy. U.S. 331 South. This would be a huge step forward in the development of the area between both municipalities and the unincorporated areas of the county.

This project, along with the soon to be completed widening of U.S. Hwy. 331, would have an enormous effect on Walton County for many years to come. The infrastructure project would encourage new manufacturing and retail companies to locate to this area.  The commercial development would also enhance the creation of new residential subdivisions.

The plan hopes to have funding from the area’s share of the settlement from the Deepwater-Horizon oil spill.  State Senator George Gainer and two other senators sponsored a bill to ensure that NW Florida would receive its fair share of the BP funds. This unique bill specifies that the money can only be used on infrastructure and education projects. Walton County, DeFuniak Springs and Freeport could receive up to $30 million to fund this very valuable project. We look forward to the long-term growth and prosperity that this plan would bring to the area for future generations!