Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $20 million in state grants will help clean Biscayne Bay, and another $9.5 million will help protect the state’s coral reefs.
DeSantis held a press conference in North Miami Beach as he highlighted eight bay projects getting an influx in state dollars in South Beach, Homestead, Miami Beach and other communities.
“These projects include septic to sewer conversion, wastewater storage projects that will lead to improved water quality of Biscayne Bay. What we’ve already done has made a difference,” DeSantis said. “People are very pleased with that, but we’re not done.”
At the same presser, DeSantis also disclosed $9.5 million will go toward Florida’s coral reef restoration. The state’s goal is to restore 25% of Florida’s coral reef by 2050.
“As the home of the continental U.S.’s only living barrier reef, we have worked very hard to protect this natural treasure,” DeSantis said.
The funding is going for 11 different projects at institutions including Mote Marine, Reef Renewal USA, the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University.
“This will help both the academic and private partners that are doing research to establish, expand and maintain Florida’s in-state coral propagation and grow-out facilities,” DeSantis said.
The newest round of grants brings the amount up to $100 million from the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to clean up the environment, said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
“With continued support from Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature, we will keep making real measurable progress for Florida’s coastal water,” Lambert said.
She highlighted the economic impact from the state’s investment.
“Few places in Florida show the connection between our environment and our economy more clearly than this one,” Lambert said. “The Bay supports millions of Floridians, including one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and it plays a vital role in the health of Florida’s coral reef.”
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