Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the allocation of more than $29 million to support water quality improvement projects in Biscayne Bay and coral reef restoration efforts in Florida. The funding includes $20 million distributed across eight projects under the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, which aims to enhance ongoing work to improve the bay’s water conditions. An additional $9.5 million will go toward 11 projects focused on restoring Florida’s Coral Reef.
“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,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “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 importance of these initiatives: “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 improvements for Biscayne Bay has reached $90 million. In 2021, legislation was enacted establishing the Biscayne Bay Commission, which uses scientific research as a basis for decision-making regarding the bay.
The grant program supports efforts such as wastewater upgrades (including transitioning from septic systems to sewers), stormwater management enhancements, and other infrastructure projects designed both for current needs and anticipated population growth while aiming to reduce nutrient pollution in Biscayne Bay.
For coral reef restoration, funds will back initiatives prioritized for their potential impact on expanding land-based coral propagation facilities and improving data management systems. These actions align with Executive Order 23-06 signed by Governor DeSantis in January 2023, which established a framework intended to build necessary infrastructure, technology development, workforce training, and logistics by 2050 for sustaining Florida’s Coral Reef.
A detailed list of funded projects can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
