Its money designed to protect military installations and grow job opportunities in Florida, and Jacksonville is taking in a good sum.

The state announced its Florida Defense Support Task Force Grants for this year, totaling $2.6 million.  Jacksonville has earned $450,000.

The money will focus on three projects in the area.  $100,000 will go to the Florida 8 (a) Alliance- based in Jacksonville- to aid veteran-owned and defense industry small businesses.  An explosive ordinance disposal bunker (used to destroy weapons) will be built with the funding at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base.  Naval Station Mayport will also receive the funding for maritime research and development.

Grants were also awarded to the Bay County Defense Alliance, National Simulation Center in Orlando, Highlands County EDC, Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, Santa Rosa County, the Greater Pensacola Chamber, and the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze.

These grants come just ahead of the across the board spending cuts- sequestration- set to take place March 1^st.

The Governor’s Office estimates Florida’s bases have a $60 billion economic impact and account for 686,181 jobs in Florida.