The state of Florida announced seven awards totaling $22.7 million to support water quality improvements and protection of Biscayne Bay.
The seven projects, awarded funds 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.
According to the Florida press release, the funding is as follows:
- $14.5 million to Miami-Dade County for water quality characterization and pollution reduction projects.
- $2.3 million to the City of North Miami for septic to sewer conversions.
- $2 million to the City of Coral Gables for Phase I Sanitary Sewer improvements.
- $2 million to the City of Miami Springs for stormwater infrastucture.
- $700,000 to the Town of Cutler Bay for wetland restoration.
- $650,000 to the Village of Key Biscayne for stormwater infrastructure.
- $600,000 to Miami River Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, will work with local governments on stormwater and marine debris management.
This latest funding 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.
