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 dedicated to Water Quality Improvement Grants and $55 million for Alternative Water Supply Grants. Additionally, the Governor introduced the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program with an award of $100 million, alongside $25 million for the Caloosahatchee Watershed Grant Program and $20 million for 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. He emphasized that these investments are crucial for safeguarding water quality statewide and accelerating restoration efforts in key ecosystems such as the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and Biscayne Bay.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert noted 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." She highlighted that these investments provide necessary resources for local leaders to undertake infrastructure projects benefiting future generations.
The DEP received 348 project submissions requesting over $2.2 billion during this year’s Water Quality Improvement Grant cycle. Following a thorough evaluation process, 31 high-priority projects were selected based on their potential to effectively reduce nutrient pollution and enhance water quality. These initiatives aim to improve wastewater and stormwater treatment facilities and connect septic systems to sewer systems. Collectively, they are expected to eliminate more than 1.1 million pounds of total nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of total phosphorus annually.
In targeted efforts within priority ecosystems, $100 million is allocated for 25 projects in the Indian River Lagoon; $25 million supports four projects in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary; while eight projects in Biscayne Bay receive $20 million.
Under Governor DeSantis's administration, nearly $2.9 billion has been awarded by DEP for 1,098 community projects aimed at protecting Florida’s water resources. These initiatives have reduced total nitrogen by over 4.6 million pounds per year and total phosphorus by more than 893,000 pounds annually.
Additionally, $55 million has been set aside for 14 Alternative Water Supply Grant Program projects intended to produce over 40 million gallons of water daily within two years post-operation commencement. This program focuses on expanding reclaimed water use, aquifer recharge enhancement, and promoting conservation measures.
To maintain progress in this area, Governor DeSantis has proposed a budget that includes $550 million dedicated to protecting Florida’s water quality along with an additional $60 million earmarked for alternative water supplies development.
Further details about these grant-funded projects selected for Fiscal Year 2024-25 can be accessed at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.