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Governor DeSantis Announces $389 Million for Natural Water Resource Restoration https://t.co/InFa5OTpN6

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 25, 2025

​Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a $389 million investment aimed at enhancing Florida’s water quality and supply. This funding encompasses several grant programs:​Gulf Coast News Now+5Florida Governor’s Office+5WKMG+5

• Water Quality Improvement Grants ($189 million): These grants focus on upgrading wastewater and stormwater treatment facilities, converting septic systems to sewer connections, and implementing other improvements to reduce nutrient pollution. Collectively, these efforts are projected to remove over 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of phosphorus annually. ​Florida Governor’s Office+2FOX 13 Tampa Bay+2WKMG+2WKMG+2Florida Governor’s Office+2FOX 13 Tampa Bay+2

• Alternative Water Supply Grants ($55 million): These grants support projects that aim to produce more than 40 million gallons of water per day within two years of becoming operational. The projects focus on expanding reclaimed water use, enhancing aquifer recharge, and promoting water conservation. ​Florida Governor’s Office

• Indian River Lagoon Protection Program ($100 million): This program funds 25 priority water quality projects in the Indian River Lagoon, targeting nutrient reduction and ecosystem restoration. ​WKMG+2Florida Governor’s Office+2WJXT+2

• Caloosahatchee Watershed Grant Program ($25 million): This funding supports four targeted water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, aiming to enhance water quality and ecosystem health. ​Gulf Coast News Now+2Florida Governor’s Office+2FOX 13 Tampa Bay+2

• Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program ($20 million): This program funds eight water quality projects in Biscayne Bay, focusing on improving water quality and supporting marine ecosystems. ​Florida Governor’s Office

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to safeguard Florida’s waterways, which are vital to the state’s environment, economy, and way of life. Since 2019, the state has invested nearly $2.9 billion in 1,098 community projects aimed at protecting water resources, resulting in significant reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus levels. ​Florida Governor’s Office+1FOX 13 Tampa Bay+1

Additionally, Governor DeSantis has proposed $550 million in his budget to further protect Florida’s water quality and $60 million to enhance alternative water supplies. ​Florida Governor’s Office