Fort Myers among cities getting help in Florida $100M water push | State

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (WINK)—Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $100 million across 45 projects to protect and restore Florida’s water resources.

The money came through the Springs Restoration and Alternative Water Supply grant programs. State officials said the projects will protect springs, expand alternative water sources and promote water conservation.

“Today in Crystal River, I was proud to announce $100 million for springs restoration and alternative water supply projects throughout Florida,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “These strategic investments will build on the progress we’ve made in protecting our natural resources and improving water quality in communities across Florida, so that we can leave this state to God better than we found it.”

The Springs Restoration Grant Program received $50 million for 23 projects aimed at improving water quality and spring flow. State officials said those projects will reduce Total Nitrogen by more than 55,000 pounds per year through wastewater upgrades and other enhancements.

“Year after year, Governor DeSantis has demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting Florida’s waters,” Florida Department of Environmental Protection Sec. Alexis A. Lambert said. “We will continue to work cooperatively with local communities to secure the sustainable clean water supply that is critical for Florida’s future.”

Awards included $3 million to Citrus County for a septic-to-sewer conversion and upgrade project, $3 million to Suwannee River Water Management District for the Suwannee Sandhill Tract-Drew Property land acquisition, $3 million to the City of DeLand for a regional pump station and sewer extension project and $4 million to Volusia County for a septic upgrade incentive project. Since 2019, Florida has invested $480 million in springs restoration projects, with an estimated annual reduction of about 900,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen per year.

Another $50 million went to 22 projects aimed at reducing Florida’s reliance on traditional freshwater sources by expanding alternative water supplies. State officials said those projects will help produce more than 60 million gallons of water per day.

Selected projects included $12.6 million to seven communities in Polk County to expand supplies with brackish water, $10 million to Tampa Bay Water to expand surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons per day and $19.1 million for six reclaimed water projects that included reuse expansion at the City of Fort Myers’ Central Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility and transmission expansion in the City of Apopka. Since the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program began in 2019, the legislature has appropriated $385 million, and officials said committed funds will result in more than 400 million gallons of water per day when projects are fully online.

A full list of Water Quality and Supply Grant projects selected for Fiscal Year 2026-27 is available here. The state said the awards will support projects meant to protect springs, expand alternative water sources and promote water conservation across Florida.