Florida awards $112 million for water supply, springs restoration and algae bloom technologyFlorida will distribute grant funding across 53 proj...

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Florida awards $112 million for water supply, springs restoration and algae bloom technologyFlorida will distribute grant funding across 53 proj...
Florida awards $112 million for water supply, springs restoration and algae bloom technology
Florida will distribute grant funding across 53 projects to expand water supply, restore natural springs and support new technology to detect and reduce harmful algal blooms

State of Florida water quality grants.jpg

On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $112 million in state funding for water quality, water supply and environmental technology projects across Florida.

The grants support efforts to expand alternative water sources, restore natural springs and advance tools to detect and mitigate harmful algal blooms.

Alternative water supply: $50 million

Fourteen projects will share $50 million to expand reclaimed water use, enhance aquifer recharge and increase long-term water availability. Once completed, these projects are expected to produce more than 94 million gallons of new water per day.

Freshwater springs restoration: $50 million

Another $50 million will fund 23 projects aimed at improving water quality and protecting spring flow. Projects include septic-to-sewer conversions, wastewater upgrades and land conservation efforts. Collectively, the projects are expected to reduce nitrogen pollution by more than 100,000 pounds per year.

Examples include:

• $2.9 million for Newberry’s septic-to-sewer conversion benefiting the Santa Fe River and springs

• $1 million for land acquisition in the Suwannee High Recharge area

• $1.6 million for Inverness sewer extensions serving the Chassahowitzka-Homosassa region

• $6.1 million for septic-to-sewer conversions in Wakulla County affecting the Wakulla River and spring

Since 2019, the state has spent $430 million on springs restoration projects.

Harmful algal bloom technology: $12 million

The state is awarding $12 million for 16 projects that use new technologies to prevent, detect, or mitigate harmful algal blooms. These efforts expand monitoring capabilities, predictive modeling and rapid-response tools used by local governments during bloom events.

Established in 2019, the program has now received $75 million to support 68 projects.

A full list of funded projects for Fiscal Year 2025–26 is available at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.

Attached link

https://www.islandernews.com/news/florida/florida-awards-112-million-for-water-supply-springs-restoration-and-algae-bloom-technology/article_b47b309f-55ee-48f8-9fc1-8b17d748ee87.html

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