DeSantis Awards $22 Million for Biscayne Bay Water Quality Projects

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Dec. 1, 2022, 3:10 p.m. ET | Updated Aug. 10, 2023

KEY BISCAYNE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced seven awards adding up to $22.7 million for water quality improvements and protection of Biscayne Bay.

Projects include septic to sewer conversions, stormwater management and wetland restoration in areas surrounding Biscayne Bay.

“Protecting our environment has been a priority since the first day I took office,” DeSantis said. “These investments to protect Biscayne Bay will improve water quality and help us preserve one of Florida’s most important natural resources for generations to come.”

Biscayne Bay is Florida’s largest estuary with a direct connection to Florida’s Coral Reef. It also has the largest passenger port in the world and is an international sailing destination.

The seven projects funded through Thursday’s awards include:

$14.5 million is awarded to Miami-Dade County for water quality characterization and pollution reduction projects.
$2.3 million is awarded to the City of North Miami for septic to sewer conversions.
$2 million is awarded to the City of Coral Gables for Phase I Sanitary Sewer improvements.
$2 million is awarded to the City of Miami Springs for stormwater infrastucture.
$700,000 is awarded to the Town of Cutler Bay for wetland restoration.
$650,000 is awarded to the Village of Key Biscayne for stormwater infrastructure.
$600,000 is awarded to Miami River Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, will work with local governments on stormwater and marine debris management.

“In the year since we convened the Biscayne Bay Commission, we have improved coordination among stakeholders to develop a path toward restoration of this treasured resource,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “The investments we are making under the leadership of Governor DeSantis are an important step forward to improving water quality in Biscayne Bay. I look forward to continuing this momentum through our collaborative work with our local partners.”

The four-year total investment in in Biscayne Bay water quality and protection racks up to $52 million. The governor also signed legislation last year to create the Biscayne Bay Commission.