Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled more than $389 million in grants aimed at safeguarding Florida’s water quality and ensuring long-term water supply sustainability. Announced during an event in Palm Bay, the funding package includes $189 million in Water Quality Improvement Grants and $55 million for Alternative Water Supply projects, along with targeted investments in critical ecosystem restoration efforts.
“Florida’s waterways are essential to our environment, economy, and way of life. Protecting these resources remains a top priority,” said Governor DeSantis.
The funding includes:
- $100 million for 25 priority projects under the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program
- $25 million for Caloosahatchee River and Estuary restoration
- $20 million for Biscayne Bay water quality improvement
Strengthening Water Infrastructure and Reducing Pollution
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Alexis A. Lambert highlighted the impact of these investments, stating they will help reduce nutrient pollution and improve the health of vital ecosystems.
The 2024 Water Quality Improvement Grant cycle received 348 applications totaling $2.2 billion in requests, with 31 high-priority projects selected. These projects aim to remove over 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of phosphorus annually through wastewater and stormwater upgrades, as well as septic-to-sewer conversions.
Expanding Alternative Water Supply
Recognizing the need for diversified water sources, Florida has allocated $55 million to the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program, funding 14 projects expected to generate over 40 million gallons of water per day within two years. Since 2019, the state has invested $245 million in alternative supply development, resulting in more than 225 million gallons per day of new capacity.
Governor DeSantis has proposed an additional $550 million for water quality initiatives and $60 million for alternative water supply projects in his upcoming budget, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to long-term water resilience and sustainability.
Key Project Highlights:
- $11.3 million – Vero Beach Water Reclamation Facility construction for high-quality reclaimed water
- $8.6 million – Melbourne Grant Street Water Reclamation Facility upgrades
- $5 million – Palm Bay Septic-to-Sewer Project to reduce nutrient pollution in the Indian River Lagoon
- $13.5 million – Fort Myers Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade to eliminate surface water discharges into the Caloosahatchee River
- $14.7 million – Brackish groundwater projects in the Central Florida Water Initiative Area
This funding underscores Florida’s ongoing efforts to improve water quality, expand sustainable water infrastructure, and enhance environmental protection for future generations.