Florida Construction News staff writer

A total of 27 statewide projects aimed at reducing harmful nutrients in Florida’s waterways will share $210 million state funding. The awards include septic-to-sewer projects, wastewater treatment upgrades, stormwater projects, wastewater improvement projects and a regional agricultural project.

Selected projects will reduce total nitrogen loading by more than 1 million cumulative pounds per year, which will help to reduce harmful algal blooms.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal on Dec. 5, with $135 million for the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, expanding the program to include additional types of eligible projects–including upgrades and repairs to wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions and projects to address agricultural nonpoint sources – as well as additional areas of the state that are now eligible for this program.