Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $112 million in awards for water quality and supply projects statewide at a press conference in Tampa Wednesday. Funding included $50 million to support 14 alternative water supply projects, $50 million in funding to support 23 projects aimed at restoring Florida’s natural freshwater springs, and $12 million for 16 innovative technology projects that will help detect, prevent, and mitigate harmful algae blooms.
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The city Cape Coral will receive a $6.5 million state grant towards the the North 1 utilities expansion project.
“Today I had the honor to meet with the governor up in Tampa,” Mayor John Gunter announced at Wednesday’s city council meeting. “He had a press conference there. The city of Cape Coral, I am proud to announced, we were awarded $6.5 million from the Governor’s Office through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to support North 1 UEP East reclaimed water extension.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $112 million in awards for water quality and supply projects statewide. Funding included $50 million to support 14 alternative water supply projects, $50 million in funding to support 23 projects aimed at restoring Florida’s natural freshwater springs, and $12 million for 16 innovative technology projects that will help detect, prevent, and mitigate harmful algae blooms.
“My administration has made historic investments in protecting our water resources,” DeSantis said. “Florida is a leader in water resource protection, and we will continue to deliver results and act as responsible stewards of our resources.”
Gunter said there were 36 projects identified with 31 of them meeting the criteria for the grant.
“Out of 31, we had three of them that we had submitted. I don’t think any other county that I can recall, had more than two. We were the only one with three,” Gunter said. “We are trying to find those dollars. It’s tough. We are applying for those dollars. Today we got a yes for $6.5 million. Some days we get a no.”
The grant will reduce the amount of local revenue needed to fund the North 1 UEP project, while advancing reclaimed water infrastructure that supports and improves water and long-term sustainability.
“The $6.5 million grant is a tremendous benefit to the city of Cape Coral,” Gunter said. “I think it’s great news for our community and city.”
Councilmember Bill Steinke noted the value that is brought forth, and the hard work that was done by their lobbyists.
“This wouldn’t come about if it weren’t for Nick Matthews and Dane Eagle having the relationship they have in Tallahassee and making sure decision makers know our needs and situations. It’s so valuable to have them there,” he said.
Gunter agreed that they are the workforce for a lot of the grant opportunities that they have.
“They do a phenomenal job for our city. They are a tremendous asset to our city,” he said.
The estimated project cost to extend water, sewer and irrigation water to the area of about 7,300 properties is $116.4 million for utilities construction; $42.3 million for facilities construction; $35 million for storm drains, roads and fiber optics,; $193.7 million for total construction cost; $9.4 million for construction contingency; $13.0 million estimate for construction engineering and inspection; and $11.4 million for the design, survey and UEP administration for a total project cost of $227.5 million.
The North 1 East assessment, including capital facilities expansion charge, is expected to be $32,288 for a standard-sized residential lot.
Last May, the city accepted a $25 million grant that officials said would provide a savings of about $2,400 for more than 7,000 property owners within the North 1 Utility Expansion Project area.
The full list of Alternative Water Supply Grant projects, Springs Restoration Grant projects, and Innovative Technology Grant projects selected for Fiscal Year 2025-26 may be found at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/state-action/grants-submissions.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com