Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $100 million in funding for 45 projects across Florida aimed at restoring natural springs, improving water quality and expanding alternative water supplies, continuing the state’s investments in water infrastructure and environmental protection.
The funding, announced in Crystal River on Wednesday, will be divided equally between the Springs Restoration Grant Program and the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program, with each receiving $50 million.
The Springs Restoration Grant Program will support 23 projects designed to improve water quality and spring flows through wastewater infrastructure upgrades, septic system improvements and land conservation. Collectively, the projects are expected to reduce nitrogen pollution by more than 55,000 pounds annually.
Among the awards are $3 million for septic-to-sewer conversions in Citrus County benefiting Chassahowitzka-Homosassa Springs, Kings Bay and Crystal River Springs, and $4 million for septic system upgrades in Volusia County benefiting DeLeon Spring.
Additional allocations include $3 million each for land acquisition in the Suwannee River Basin and sewer infrastructure expansion in DeLand.
Since 2019, Florida has invested $480 million in springs restoration projects, contributing to an estimated annual nitrogen reduction of approximately 900,000 pounds.
The remaining $50 million will fund 22 alternative water supply projects expected to produce more than 60 million gallons of water daily.
Those awards include $12.6 million for seven Polk County communities to develop brackish water supplies, $10 million for Tampa Bay Water to expand treatment capacity and $19.1 million for six reclaimed water projects, including improvements in Fort Myers and Apopka.
Since 2019, lawmakers have appropriated $385 million toward alternative water supply development. Projects supported by the program are expected to generate more than 400 million gallons daily once fully operational.
DeSantis said the investments will strengthen Florida’s water infrastructure while protecting natural resources for future generations.
