Water quality in the Indian River Lagoon is getting a boost, thanks to $25 million in funding approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature. The funding is the foundation of a new St. Johns River Water Management District partnership program with the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to support water quality projects in this Estuary of National Significance.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Aug. 21 for fiscal year 2020–2021 funding. Eligible applicants include local governments and non-governmental entities, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), colleges and universities. Projects must be located within the Indian River Lagoon watershed and, in general, reduce nutrients or restore flow to the lagoon.

This grant program offers up to 100 percent for 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 application scoring.

Applications will also be reviewed based on:
• Projects that are construction ready (beginning no later than July 31, 2021, with project completion within 24 months of contract execution)
• Cost effectiveness
• Local commitment (matching funds or public support)
• Whether the project is identified in a water quality restoration plan, such as a basin management action plan (BMAP) or reasonable assurance plans (RAP)