Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson on Thursday announced nearly $5 million in energy efficiency grants to support infrastructure upgrades at publicly owned water and wastewater treatment facilities in fiscally constrained counties across the state.

The funding, administered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Energy, is intended to reduce energy costs and improve operational reliability at essential public utilities. Grants were awarded under the Florida Local Government Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program, which targets counties with limited fiscal capacity as defined by state law.

“These are smart, conservative investments that deliver real results for Florida taxpayers,” said Commissioner Simpson. “We’re helping rural communities reduce energy costs, improve essential infrastructure, and strengthen long-term reliability – without expanding government or wasting resources.”

Eligible projects include upgrades such as new pumps, motors, high-efficiency lighting, and energy management systems aimed at reducing the energy required for water and wastewater treatment. Funding was awarded based on projected cost savings, long-term value to ratepayers, and overall return on investment.

Award recipients include the Town of Greenville, $750,000; City of Marianna, $721,500; City of Cottondale, $650,000; City of Chipley, $661,500; Okeechobee Utility Authority, $647,000; Town of Alford, $475,300; Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners, $619,375; Putnam County Board of County Commissioners, $371,298; and the Town of Campbellton, $371,298.