Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the allocation of more than $29 million to fund projects aimed at improving water quality in Biscayne Bay and supporting the restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef. The announcement was made in Miami, where DeSantis detailed the distribution of $20 million across eight projects through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program and an additional $9.5 million for 11 coral reef restoration initiatives.
“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 commented on the importance 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 funding for targeted water quality improvements in Biscayne Bay has reached $90 million. The bay is recognized as vital both economically and environmentally for Florida. Legislation signed in 2021 established the Biscayne Bay Commission, which ensures scientific research guides decisions regarding management and restoration efforts.
The grant program funds a range of projects designed to reduce nutrient pollution entering Biscayne Bay. These include wastewater infrastructure upgrades such as converting septic systems to sewer connections, stormwater management improvements, and other measures intended to accommodate future population growth while maintaining or improving water quality.
The separate $9.5 million dedicated to coral reef restoration will fund projects under the Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative (FCR3). This initiative focuses on expanding land-based coral propagation facilities, enhancing technological capacity, increasing skilled workforce availability, and improving data management systems necessary for long-term reef recovery by 2050. Executive Order 23-06 established FCR3 in January 2023 with these goals in mind.
A comprehensive list of funded projects can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
