TAMPA, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday the state will be awarding $112 million in grants to improve water quality and supply across Florida’s Gulf Coast and throughout Central Florida.
During a news conference in Tampa, DeSantis said $50 million will go to the development different alternative water supply grants, including St. Johns River, Suwannee River and Northwest Florida water management districts.
DeSantis said once fully operational, the projects are expected to produce almost 94 million gallons of water per day.
“That’s a really significant thing. The population here has grown,” DeSantis said.
Press play above to watch the governor’s remarks
DeSantis also said the state will award $50 million for 23 projects aimed at protecting Florida’s natural freshwater springs.
Moreover, $12 million will be awarded to state universities and counties to drive innovative technology to fight harmful algal blooms.