Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the allocation of more than $29 million to support water quality improvement projects in Biscayne Bay and restoration efforts for Florida’s Coral Reef. The funding includes $20 million directed to eight projects under the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, aimed at enhancing ongoing initiatives to improve conditions in the bay.
DeSantis stated, “It was great to be in Miami this morning to announce new investments of almost $30 million to improve Biscayne Bay water quality and support the long-term recovery of Florida’s Coral Reef. Protecting and restoring Florida’s waterways is essential to our way of life. To-date, my administration has awarded over $3.5 billion to over 1,000 local projects aimed at protecting Florida’s water resources. Now, we are building on those historic investments to ensure that our state’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert emphasized the significance of these efforts: “Biscayne Bay is Florida’s largest estuary and home to an array of important species of plants and wildlife. By making strategic investments in the bay’s water quality, we are revitalizing waters that support not only our wildlife but also our economy and way of life.”
Since 2019, state investment in targeted water quality projects for Biscayne Bay has reached $90 million. In 2021, legislation signed by Governor DeSantis established the Biscayne Bay Commission, which is tasked with ensuring science-based decision-making regarding the bay.
The grant program supports a range of initiatives such as wastewater improvements—including septic-to-sewer conversions—and stormwater management systems designed both for current needs and anticipated population growth.
In addition to work on Biscayne Bay, $9.5 million will fund 11 projects under the Florida Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative (FCR3). These projects were chosen based on their potential impact on expanding coral propagation infrastructure and improving data management capabilities. Executive Order 23-06 established FCR3 in January 2023 with a goal of building necessary infrastructure, technology, workforce skills, and logistics by 2050 for sustained reef recovery.
A complete list of funded projects can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
