GOVERNOR ALLOCATES WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING
More than $ 481 million was recently made available for water quality improvements through three grant programs administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP )– the Wastewater Grant Program , Springs Restoration Grants , and the Small Community Wastewater Grant Program . The allocations include :
■ $ 394 million from the Wastewater Grant Program for wastewater treatment improvements , including septic- to
-sewer projects and projects to upgrade to advanced waste treatment . The $ 394 million awarded is from federal funds .
■ $ 67 million for projects to protect Florida ’ s world-renowned springs including land acquisition and conservation easements and wastewater infrastructure improvements . Of the $ 67 million awarded , $ 50 million is from state funds and $ 17 million is from federal funds .
26 DITCHMEN • NOVEMBER 2021