Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has allocated over $60 million in grants for 17 projects focused on restoring Florida’s springs. These initiatives aim to enhance spring flow and improve water quality through wastewater upgrades and other improvements. Collectively, these efforts are expected to reduce Total Nitrogen by an additional 51,285 pounds annually.
“By restoring our springs, we are not only protecting critical ecosystems but also ensuring the long-term sustainability of Florida’s water resources for future generations,” stated Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The Springs Restoration Grant Program supports statewide communities by funding projects that promote both water quality improvements and enhanced spring flow. This year’s funding will also help preserve an 1,800-acre tract of land dedicated to protecting springs. Notable project highlights include:
– $8.3 million for Wakulla County’s Wastewater Transmission System to advance septic-to-sewer connections benefiting Wakulla Springs.
– $7.5 million for Orange City’s Volusia Blue Spring Septic-to-Sewer Program aimed at expanding wastewater collection and connecting residents and businesses to a centralized sewer system, thereby reducing nitrogen pollution in Volusia Blue Spring.
– $4.9 million for Hernando County’s Septic-to-Sewer Program intended to connect septic systems near Weeki Wachee Springs to a centralized sewer system.
Governor DeSantis proposed $50 million in his Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to support ongoing springs preservation and restoration projects.
Since 2019, Florida has invested $380 million in advancing 129 springs restoration projects, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of more than 840,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen per year. The newly announced projects aim to build upon this progress and continue safeguarding Florida’s springs for future generations.
For a complete list of Springs Restoration Grant projects selected for Fiscal Year 2024-25, visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
