The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has allocated $25 million to enhance water supply infrastructure in Northwest Florida. This funding, distributed through the Local Government Water Supply Pilot Grant Program, will support 13 projects aimed at improving water supply resilience and reducing water loss in the region.
“DEP remains committed to securing Florida’s water future through proactive investments in infrastructure and natural resource protection,” stated DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.
The strategy for Northwest Florida focuses on addressing specific challenges related to the Coastal Floridan Aquifer. Eligible projects are located within Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. These areas include some of the largest public supply water users in rapidly growing coastal communities with pressing infrastructure needs.
Approximately 170,000 residents are expected to benefit from these projects. Notable initiatives include:
– The City of Gulf Breeze will receive $3 million for its Gulf Islands National Seashore Water Transmission Main Replacement and Upgrade Project. This project involves replacing a 50-year-old concrete main with a larger one to ensure reliable service and provide an emergency supply main for Pensacola Beach’s water system.
– The City of Mary Esther is awarded $3.5 million to replace mains that currently suffer from issues related to water supply, loss, quality, and insufficient flow capacity due to outdated piping.
– The City of Paxton will receive $773,419 to upgrade existing 2-inch water lines with 6-inch lines to better meet both supply and firefighting requirements.
Further details about the selected Local Government Water Supply Pilot Grant projects for Fiscal Year 2024-25 can be accessed at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
