Florida Commits Over $389 Million to Enhance Water Quality Initiatives
Palm Bay, Fla. — In a significant move to safeguard Florida’s water resources, Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a comprehensive plan involving over $389 million in grants. A strategic breakdown includes $189 million earmarked for Water Quality Improvement Grants and another $55 million for Alternative Water Supply Grants. The newly launched Indian River Lagoon Protection Program will receive $100 million, while the Caloosahatchee Watershed and Biscayne Bay initiatives are set to benefit from $25 million and $20 million, respectively.
Governor DeSantis emphasized the critical nature of these waterways, saying, “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. 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.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert noted the progress achieved through these initiatives, stating, “Florida’s support for water quality projects is making a real impact in reducing nutrient pollution and improving the health of our waterways. Governor DeSantis and the Legislature have made these investments a priority to provide needed resources for local leaders to take on infrastructure projects that will improve the environment for future generations.”
This year’s Water Quality Improvement Grant saw 348 submissions, requesting over $2.2 billion. Following a meticulous review, 31 high-priority projects were selected to receive funding, aimed at reducing nutrient pollution and improving water quality. These initiatives will enhance wastewater and stormwater treatment facilities and connect septic systems to sewer systems, collectively expected to eliminate over 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of phosphorus annually.
In focused efforts, the state is allocating $100 million to 25 Indian River Lagoon projects, $25 million to four Caloosahatchee River and Estuary projects, and $20 million to eight Biscayne Bay projects, all designed to reduce nutrient levels in these vital ecosystems.
Under Governor DeSantis’s leadership, nearly $2.9 billion has been dedicated to 1,098 community projects, significantly contributing to the reduction of over 4.6 million pounds of nitrogen and 893,000 pounds of phosphorus each year. More than 250 of these projects have been completed, with further developments underway.
The Alternative Water Supply Grant Program will see $55 million supporting 14 projects, projected to produce over 40 million gallons of water daily once operational. These projects emphasize reclaimed water use, aquifer recharge, and water conservation. Since 2019, Florida has invested $245 million in alternative water supplies, aiming to generate an additional 225 million gallons per day to meet future demands.
In a bid to continue these efforts, Governor DeSantis’s budget proposal includes $550 million for water quality protection and $60 million for alternative water supplies.
Details on the grant projects selected for Fiscal Year 2024-25 are available at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
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