Florida Construction News staff writer
More than $240 million has been announced through the wastewater grant program to support 36 wastewater infrastructure projects to reduce nutrients in Florida’s waterways. Awarded projects include advanced wastewater treatment upgrades and septic to sewer projects that will eliminate nearly 20,000 septic tanks.
The largest grant, $13 million goes to Hillsborough County Gibsonton for the septic to sewer project phases 2, 3, and 4
Also, the Florida Governmental Utility Authority Lehigh Acres septic to sewer project received $5 million and the Fort Myers septic to sewer project was awarded $5.1 million.
A list of all projects selected for funding for FY 2022–23 can be found here.
“Since my first day in office, I have worked to achieve more for Florida’s environment, and we have delivered,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By building better infrastructure that protects our waterways, we are ensuring the health of our environment for years to come.”
The Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) wastewater grant program helps fund wastewater infrastructure projects that construct, upgrade, or expand wastewater treatment facilities to provide advanced waste treatment and projects to upgrade or convert traditional septic systems.
“Florida is tackling the state’s water quality issues head on,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “It’s through major funding commitments like this, paired with our talented and passionate staff and partners, that we can truly reduce nutrient pollution and continue to restore our natural resources.”
All projects will reduce nutrient pollution to Florida’s waterways. The Wastewater Grant Program was established in the Clean Waterways Act signed in 2021 and prioritizes projects in basin management action plans, restoration plan areas, and rural areas of opportunity. The program requires at least a 50% match, which may be waived by DEP for rural areas of opportunity.
