Florida Construction News staff writer
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded $300 million to 74 projects to help prepare coastal and inland communities for the adverse impacts of flooding and storm surge.
A list of funded projects is available here.
DEP is currently accepting grant applications through the Resilient Florida Grant Program until Sept. 1, 2023, for new proposed projects that could be funded in the next Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan. Some of these proposals aim to protect critical assets such as transportation and evacuation routes; critical infrastructure; critical community and emergency facilities; and natural, cultural, and historical resources.
“The ‘framework for freedom’ budget is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protect Florida’s communities and secure their economic vitality,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “Florida is a storm-prone state, and following two back-to-back hurricanes last year, this funding advances Florida’s continuing efforts to strengthen our infrastructure and fortify against the impacts of storm surge and flooding.”
Earlier this year, DeSantis announced the award of more than $275 million for 75 resilience projects using previously appropriated funding through the Resilient Florida program. Additionally, DEP announced the award of over $28 million to develop or update comprehensive vulnerability assessments. At the conclusion of these assessments, all 67 counties in Florida will have completed a vulnerability assessment.
