Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a significant allocation of over $389 million in grants aimed at enhancing water quality and supply across Florida. The funding package includes $189 million for Water Quality Improvement Grants and $55 million for Alternative Water Supply Grants. Additionally, the Governor has designated $100 million to the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program, $25 million to the Caloosahatchee Watershed Grant Program, and $20 million to the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.
“Florida’s waterways are a vital part of our environment, economy, and way of life, and protecting these resources continues to be a top priority,” stated Governor DeSantis. “These investments will help safeguard water quality statewide and accelerate restoration efforts in key ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and Biscayne Bay.”
Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), emphasized the impact of these projects: “Florida’s support for water quality projects is making a real impact in reducing nutrient pollution and improving the health of our waterways.” Lambert credited Governor DeSantis and the Legislature for prioritizing these investments to provide essential resources for local infrastructure projects that aim to improve environmental conditions for future generations.
The DEP received 348 project submissions requesting more than $2.2 billion during this year’s Water Quality Improvement Grant cycle. Following an extensive evaluation process, 31 high-priority projects were selected based on their potential impact and cost-effectiveness in reducing nutrient pollution. These initiatives are expected to remove over 1.1 million pounds of total nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of total phosphorus annually by upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and connecting septic systems to sewer networks.
The state is also focusing on immediate nutrient-reducing projects within priority ecosystems. The Indian River Lagoon will receive $100 million for 25 water quality projects; four targeted projects in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary will benefit from $25 million; while eight projects in Biscayne Bay have been allocated $20 million.
Under Governor DeSantis’s administration, nearly $2.9 billion has been awarded by DEP to 1,098 community projects dedicated to protecting Florida’s water resources. These efforts are projected to reduce total nitrogen by more than 4.6 million pounds annually.
Furthermore, $55 million has been allocated through the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program for 14 projects designed to produce over 40 million gallons of water per day within two years post-operation commencement. Since 2019, Florida has invested $245 million into alternative water supplies development.
To maintain progress in safeguarding water resources, Governor DeSantis’s budget proposal includes an additional $550 million for water quality protection along with $60 million earmarked for further development of alternative water supplies.
For detailed information on grant-funded projects selected for Fiscal Year 2024-25, visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
