VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County leaders approved more than $13 million in ECHO grants Tuesday for projects aimed at expanding outdoor recreation, water access and environmental and cultural programs.
County officials said the $13.1 million will fund 10 projects across six cities and four nonprofit organizations. Combined with matching funds from recipients, the projects represent nearly $26.4 million in investment.
According to the county, several projects focus on water access, including new boat ramps and a fishing pier in Edgewater, a 250-foot observation pier on the Halifax River in Holly Hill and a passenger-boat dock on the Indian River Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach.
Other projects include a dinosaur-themed splash pad in DeBary, improvements to Willow Run Park in Port Orange and a new nature center at the D Ranch Preserve near Osteen.
The largest grants, at $2.5 million each, will go toward projects in Edgewater and Daytona Beach, as well as Conservation Florida’s D Ranch Preserve Nature Center.
County officials said ECHO grant recipients are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match and have two years to complete their projects.
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