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\u2019s natural freshwater springs, and $12 million for 16 innovative technology projects that will help detect, prevent, and mitigate harmful algae blooms.<\/p>\n
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The city Cape Coral will receive a $6.5 million state grant towards the the North 1 utilities expansion project.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday I had the honor to meet with the governor up in Tampa,\u201d Mayor John Gunter announced at Wednesday\u2019s city council meeting. \u201cHe had a press conference there. The city of Cape Coral, I am proud to announced, we were awarded $6.5 million from the Governor\u2019s Office through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to support North 1 UEP East reclaimed water extension.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s natural freshwater springs, and $12 million for 16 innovative technology projects that will help detect, prevent, and mitigate harmful algae blooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy administration has made historic investments in protecting our water resources,\u201d DeSantis said. \u201cFlorida is a leader in water resource protection, and we will continue to deliver results and act as responsible stewards of our resources.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunter said there were 36 projects identified with 31 of them meeting the criteria for the grant.<\/p>\n
\u201cOut of 31, we had three of them that we had submitted. I don\u2019t think any other county that I can recall, had more than two. We were the only one with three,\u201d Gunter said. \u201cWe are trying to find those dollars. It\u2019s tough. We are applying for those dollars. Today we got a yes for $6.5 million. Some days we get a no.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe $6.5 million grant is a tremendous benefit to the city of Cape Coral,\u201d Gunter said. \u201cI think it\u2019s great news for our community and city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councilmember Bill Steinke noted the value that is brought forth, and the hard work that was done by their lobbyists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis wouldn\u2019t come about if it weren\u2019t for Nick Matthews and Dane Eagle having the relationship they have in Tallahassee and making sure decision makers know our needs and situations. It\u2019s so valuable to have them there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Gunter agreed that they are the workforce for a lot of the grant opportunities that they have.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey do a phenomenal job for our city. They are a tremendous asset to our city,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The North 1 East assessment, including capital facilities expansion charge, is expected to be $32,288 for a standard-sized residential lot.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0https:\/\/protectingfloridatogether.gov\/state-action\/grants-submissions.<\/p>\n