Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced more than $389 million in funding to support water quality, supply and ecosystem restoration projects across Florida, directing grants through a series of targeted programs administered by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The state will allocate $189 million through the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to fund 31 selected projects aimed at reducing nutrient pollution and upgrading wastewater and stormwater treatment infrastructure. The selected projects are expected to eliminate more than 1.1 million pounds of total nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of total phosphorus annually, with several initiatives focused on septic-to-sewer conversions and retrofitting existing systems.

An additional $100 million will be distributed through the newly created Indian River Lagoon Protection Program to support 25 projects designed to reduce nutrient inputs and improve ecological health in the lagoon. The Caloosahatchee Watershed Grant Program will receive $25 million for four water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and $20 million is designated for eight nutrient-reduction projects in Biscayne Bay under the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.

Alongside the water quality investments, $55 million will be allocated to 14 projects under the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program, which supports reclaimed water infrastructure, aquifer recharge initiatives, and water conservation systems.

“Florida’s waterways are a vital part of our environment, economy, and way of life, and protecting these resources continues to be a top priority,” said DeSantis. “These investments will help safeguard water quality statewide and accelerate restoration efforts in key ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and Biscayne Bay.”