Florida spring restoration receives $100 million boost for 45 projects

Springs restoration and water supply programs get $100 million investment

Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Manatees depend on warm water for survival.

By Angel Green

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $100 million for 45 projects to restore Florida’s springs and expand alternative water supplies, splitting the funding evenly between two grant programs administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The Springs Restoration Grant Program will provide $50 million for 23 projects expected to reduce nitrogen pollution by more than 55,000 pounds annually through wastewater upgrades and environmental improvements.

Awards include:

  • $3 million for Citrus County’s septic-to-sewer conversion project benefiting Chassahowitzka-Homosassa Springs, Kings Bay and Crystal River Springs.
  • $3 million for the Suwannee River Water Management District’s acquisition of the Drew Property in the Suwannee Sandhill Tract.
  • $3 million for DeLand’s regional pump station and sewer extension.
  • $4 million for Volusia County’s septic upgrade incentive program.

Since 2019, Florida has invested $480 million in springs restoration, with an estimated annual reduction of 900,000 pounds of nitrogen.

“These strategic investments will build on the progress we’ve made in protecting our natural resources and improving water quality in communities across Florida, so that we can leave this state to God better than we found it,” DeSantis said while announcing the awards in Crystal River.

The Alternative Water Supply grant program will provide $50 million for 22 projects focused on reclaimed water, aquifer recharge and conservation. The projects are expected to produce more than 60 million gallons of water daily, reducing reliance on traditional freshwater sources.

Awards include:

  • $12.6 million for seven Polk County communities working with the Polk Regional Water Cooperative to develop brackish water supplies.
  • $10 million for Tampa Bay Water to expand surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons daily.
  • $19.1 million for six reclaimed water projects, including reuse expansion at Fort Myers’ Central Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility and transmission expansion in Apopka.

“We will continue to work cooperatively with local communities to secure the sustainable clean water supply that is critical for Florida’s future,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.

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