Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the allocation of more than $29 million for projects aimed at improving water quality in Biscayne Bay and supporting coral reef restoration efforts. The announcement includes $20 million distributed among eight projects through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, as well as $9.5 million for 11 initiatives focused on restoring Florida’s Coral Reef.
“It was great to be in Miami this morning to announce new investments of almost $30 million to improve Biscayne Bay water quality and support the long-term recovery of Florida’s Coral Reef,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Protecting and restoring Florida’s waterways is essential to our way of life. To-date, my administration has awarded over $3.5 billion to over 1,000 local projects aimed at protecting Florida’s water resources. Now, we are building on those historic investments to ensure that our state’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert commented on the significance of the funding: “Biscayne Bay is Florida’s largest estuary and home to an array of important species of plants and wildlife. By making strategic investments in the bay’s water quality, we are revitalizing waters that support not only our wildlife but also our economy and way of life.”
Since 2019, state investment in targeted water quality projects for Biscayne Bay has reached $90 million. In 2021, legislation established the Biscayne Bay Commission to use scientific research in guiding decisions about the bay’s management.
The grant program supports efforts such as wastewater improvements—including converting septic systems to sewer—stormwater management, and other measures designed both for environmental protection and accommodating population growth.
The $9.5 million dedicated to coral reef restoration will fund projects under the Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative (FCR3). These initiatives were selected based on their potential impact on expanding land-based coral propagation infrastructure and enhancing data management capabilities. Executive Order 23-06, signed by Governor DeSantis in January 2023, set up FCR3 with a goal of developing necessary infrastructure, technology, workforce training, and logistics by 2050 for sustained coral reef recovery.
A complete list of funded projects can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
