■ $ 20 million for the Small Community Wastewater Grant Program for wastewater facility improvements in Rural Areas of Economic Opportunity and financially disadvantaged communities . The $ 20 million awarded is from federal funds .
For a list of all awarded wastewater projects ,
visit HERE
For a list of all awarded springs projects ,
visit HERE
DEP ’ s wastewater grant program was established in the Clean Waterways Act , which Governor DeSantis championed and signed into law in 2020 . The program prioritizes wastewater projects in basin management action plans , restoration plan areas and rural areas of opportunity and also requires at least a 50 % match , which may be waived by DEP for rural areas of opportunity . Wastewater infrastructure projects that are eligible for grant funding include projects to construct , upgrade , or expand wastewater treatment facilities to provide advanced waste treatment and projects to upgrade or convert traditional septic systems . All projects funded through the wastewater grant program within DEP will reduce nutrient pollution to Florida ’ s waterways . made a significant financial commitment to springs restoration , dedicating $ 225 million since Fiscal Year 2019-20 . This funding has enabled DEP to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are imperative to achieving restoration goals . The Small Community Wastewater Grant Program funds septic to sewer conversions and wastewater treatment facility improvements in Rural Areas of Opportunity and Fiscally Constrained Counties , as defined in Section 288.0656 and 218.67 ( 1 ), Florida Statutes . On September 24 , Governor DeSantis was in Brevard County to announce the award of $ 114 million for the first grants from the Wastewater Grant Program . Out of the $ 114 million awarded , more than $ 53 million – 46 percent of the funding – was granted to the Indian River Lagoon , the most biologically diverse estuary in North America and an important resource for species such as the Florida scrub-jay , manatees and sea turtles .
Florida is home to more first- and secondmagnitude springs than any other state in the nation . Florida ’ s springs can support entire ecosystems , offer many recreational opportunities , and serve as economic driver for communities . Governor DeSantis has
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