Florida Construction News staff writer
Florida will receive more than $389 million in grants to improve water quality and build water supply across the state. The funding includes $189 million for Water Quality Improvement Grants and $55 million for Alternative Water Supply Grants. Also, the newly established Indian River Lagoon Protection Program will receive $100 million, $25 million is allocated to the Caloosahatchee Watershed Grant Program and $20 million is for the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.
“These waterways are vital to Florida’s environment, economy, and way of life, and protecting them remains a top priority,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These investments will help safeguard water quality statewide and accelerate restoration in critical ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and Biscayne Bay.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received 348 project submissions requesting over $2.2 billion in funding for this year. After a detailed evaluation, 31 high-priority projects were selected, focused on reducing nutrient pollution and improving water quality. They include upgrades to wastewater and stormwater treatment systems and converting septic systems to sewer. Projects are expected to remove more than 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of phosphorus annually.
The state is focusing on targeted restoration projects in key ecosystems. A total of $100 million will go toward 25 water quality projects in the Indian River Lagoon, $25 million will support four projects in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and $20 million will be dedicated to eight projects in Biscayne Bay.
Also, $55 million will fund 14 projects through the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program to produce more than 40 million gallons of water per day within two years, focusing on reclaimed water use, aquifer recharge, and water conservation. Since 2019, Florida has invested $245 million in alternative water supplies, which will generate over 225 million gallons per day to meet future needs.
A full list of the selected grant projects for Fiscal Year 2024-25 can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
