Indian River Lagoon cost-share opportunity open until Aug. 21

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PALM BAY, Fla., July 28, 2020 – Water quality in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is getting a boost, thanks to $25 million in funding approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for fiscal year 2020–2021. The St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts are inviting all entities with IRL water quality improvement projects to submit applications for a grant funding opportunity. Details are available here.

The districts’ application process opened July 28, 2020, and closes Aug. 21, 2020, at 5 p.m. Eligible projects must be located within the Indian River Lagoon watershed. The grants are available for construction costs for local governments and non-governmental entities, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), colleges and universities.

Projects may be eligible for up to 100 percent construction costs, with a $2.5 million cap per project and per applicant. A local funding match is not required; however, it is highly encouraged and will be a consideration during the evaluation and project scoring.

The districts will consider the following factors when reviewing IRL Water Quality applications:

  • The quantifiable water quality improvement benefits to the IRL.
  • Projects are construction ready and must start no later than July 31, 2021, with project completion within 24 months of contract execution.
  • Cost effectiveness.
  • The quality and completeness of the application.
  • The degree to which the application demonstrates local commitment (match funding and/or public support).
  • Whether the project is identified in a water quality restoration plan, e.g. basin management action plan (BMAP) or reasonable assurance plans (RAP).

Please see the application and funding guidance manual on the project solicitation page here.

All applications must be emailed to 2021IRLWQ@sjrwmd.com. For information, contact Lou Donnangelo (SJRWMD) at ldonnangelo@sjrwmd.com or 904-448-7930 or Jodie Hutchins (SFWMD) at jhutchin@sfwmd.gov or 561-682-2147.