The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has allocated an additional $9.3 million to enhance water quality and restore ecosystems in the Florida Keys. This funding, provided through the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern Grant Program, will support seven projects aimed at addressing wastewater management, stormwater treatment, and canal restoration.
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s marine environment: “The Florida Keys are a national treasure, home to one of the most unique and ecologically significant marine environments in the world. With a local economy built on the health of these waters, protecting this area is not just an environmental priority, it’s an economic and cultural necessity.”
The selected initiatives are expected to improve nearshore water quality and fisheries by reducing approximately 10,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen and 6,000 pounds of Total Phosphorous annually. Key projects include:
– $1.2 million for upgrades to the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment Plant to increase capacity during large flow events.
– $1.5 million for expanding Marathon Service Area 3 Wastewater Treatment Facility by 66%.
– $1.3 million allocated to Monroe County for canal restoration efforts.
Designated as an Area of Critical State Concern, the Florida Keys support around 80,000 residents and draw millions of visitors annually. The local economy is heavily dependent on marine industries such as fishing, boating, diving, and wildlife tourism.
Since 2019, over $80 million in grant funding has been directed toward reducing nutrient pollution and enhancing environmental resilience in the region through this program.
Governor DeSantis’s Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 includes an additional $20 million dedicated to further safeguarding the Keys’ ecosystem.
For more information on funded projects for Fiscal Year 2024-25 under this grant program, visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
