Florida Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $30 million Friday in state funding to support six water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River Watershed.
These projects will help address excess nutrients, which are known to contribute to increased algal blooms, by investing in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
“We have had remarkable success improving water quality in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary over the past five years,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These projects will continue our momentum and further our commitment to preserving the important role Florida’s environment plays in our economy.”
The health of the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary is integral to sustaining the overall way of life and economy of Southwest Florida.
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Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has been working with local, state and federal agencies to improve water quality in and better manage the timing and quantity of water flows from Lake Okeechobee, which serves as the entrance point for the St. Lucie River and the C-44 canal to the east and the Caloosahatchee River and C-43 canal to the southwest.
“The Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, along with other key waterbodies, is vital to the environment and way of life for Southwest Florida,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “With funding from the Governor and Florida Legislature, these priority water quality improvement projects are being implemented and progress is being realized.”
Projects awarded today include:
- Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District and Lee County ($15,500,000) – Frank Mann Preserve Water Quality Improvement Project.
- Florida Governmental Utility Authority ($7,000,000) – Wastewater Treatment Nutrient Reduction and Effluent Disposal Project.
- Florida Governmental Utility Authority ($2,764,706) – Lehigh Acres Advanced Wastewater Treatment Project.
- Lee County ($2,500,000) – Bob Janes Preserve Nutrient Reduction Project.
- Lee County ($1,500,000) – Palm Creek Water Quality Filter Marsh.
- Glades County ($1,250,000) – Northeast Service Area Septic-to-Sewer Project.
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