Governor Ron DeSantis has announced more than $29 million in funding for environmental projects aimed at improving water quality in Biscayne Bay and restoring Florida’s Coral Reef. The announcement was made during a visit to Miami, where the governor outlined the allocation of $20 million across eight projects under the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program. An additional $9.5 million will be distributed among 11 projects focused on coral reef restoration.
“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 importance of these efforts: “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 signed by Governor DeSantis created the Biscayne Bay Commission, which aims to ensure scientific data guides decisions about the bay.
The grant program supports initiatives such as wastewater improvements—including converting septic systems to sewer—stormwater management upgrades, and other measures designed both for current needs and future population growth.
The separate funding for coral reef restoration is part of the Florida Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative (FCR3), which was established by Executive Order 23-06 in January 2023. The initiative aims to develop infrastructure, technology, workforce skills, and logistics necessary by 2050 for long-term reef recovery.
A full list of selected grant projects can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
