Key Biscayne, FL — On Dec 1st, Governor Ron DeSantis announced seven awards totaling $22.7 million to support water quality improvements and protection of Biscayne Bay. Projects funded through the Biscayne Bay Grant Program include septic to sewer conversions, stormwater management and wetland restoration in areas surrounding Biscayne Bay, Florida’s largest estuary with a direct connection to Florida’s Coral Reef. The Bay also serves as an important economic driver for the region as it contains the largest passenger port in the world and is an international sailing destination.

“Protecting our environment has been a priority since the first day I took office,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These investments to protect Biscayne Bay will improve water quality and help us preserve one of Florida’s most important natural resources for generations to come.”

“In the year since we convened the Biscayne Bay Commission, we have improved coordination among stakeholders to develop a path toward restoration of this treasured resource,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “The investments we are making under the leadership of Governor DeSantis are an important step forward to improving water quality in Biscayne Bay. I look forward to continuing this momentum through our collaborative work with our local partners.”     

The seven projects funded through Dec 1st’s awards are:

• $14.5 million is awarded to Miami-Dade County for water quality characterization and pollution reduction projects.
• $2.3 million is awarded to the City of North Miami for septic to sewer conversions.
• $2 million is awarded to the City of Coral Gables for Phase I Sanitary Sewer improvements.
• $2 million is awarded to the City of Miami Springs for stormwater infrastucture.
• $700,000 is awarded to the Town of Cutler Bay for wetland restoration.
• $650,000 is awarded to the Village of Key Biscayne for stormwater infrastructure.
• $600,000 is awarded to Miami River Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, will work with local governments on stormwater and marine debris management. 

Funding awarded on Dec 1st, brings the four-year total investment in Biscayne Bay water quality and protection to $52 million. In total, Florida has invested more than $3.3 billion over the past four years in protecting natural water resources and Everglades restoration projects, more than doubling the amount of funding from the previous four years before the Governor took office. More on the Governor’s environmental accomplishments can be found here.

Additionally, last year the Governor signed House Bill 1177 to establish the Biscayne Bay Commission. The Commission brings state, federal and regional entities together to monitor the strategic plan for Biscayne Bay and create an associated financial plan to ensure its priorities are funded, using agencies representing the Commission.