Florida will spend nearly half a billion in federal and state dollars to improve water quality.en | File photo
Florida will spend nearly half a billion in federal and state dollars to improve water quality.en | File photo
Florida is devoting nearly half a billion dollars to water quality improvements.
“Over 100 projects across Florida are receiving more than $481M in funds to improve water quality and reduce nutrients in Florida’s waterways," Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted Nov. 9. "My Administration will continue to take action to protect Florida’s water resources for generations to come.”
The improvements will be funded through three grant programs, the governor said in a news release.
Federal funds will cover $394 million to improve wastewater treatment, DeSantis said.
Another $67 million will go to "protect Florida’s world-renowned springs including land acquisition/conservation easements and wastewater infrastructure improvements," the governor said in the news release. The state will cover $50 million of those costs, with $17 million paid with federal dollars.
Another $20 million in federal funds will go to improve wastewater treatment plants in rural areas of the state.
“Ensuring that our state’s water is clean is a key part of preparing Florida today for our future generations,” House Speaker Chris Sprowls said in the release. “Some of the best memories I have with my two young sons are on Florida’s waterways. As they grow up and build families of their own, my hope is that they, too, can one day share in the joy of Florida’s waterways with their kids."