On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded Hernando County an additional approximately $9 million as part of three different Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant programs for wastewater and springs projects.

This funding was provided as part of a larger $481 million award for 103 total wastewater and spring projects across Florida. The projects awarded will improve water quality in Weeki Wachee Springs and other waterbodies around the state, reducing total nitrogen loading by a combined more than 700,000 pounds per year. Hernando County’s awarded projects are as follows:

• Elgin Boulevard Force Main
• The Hut Pumping Station and Force Main
• Northcliffe Boulevard Force Main
• Septic to Sewer Conversion for District A, Phase 1B

The $481 million awarded was made available through three grant programs administered by DEP – the Wastewater Grant Program, Springs restoration grants and the Small Community Wastewater Grant Program.

• $394 million from the Wastewater Grant Program for wastewater treatment improvements, including septic to sewer projects and projects to upgrade to advanced waste treatment. The $394 million awarded is from federal funds.
• $67 million for projects to protect Florida’s world-renowned springs including land acquisition/conservation easements and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Of the $67 million awarded, $50 million is from state funds and $17 million is from federal funds.
• $20 million for the Small Community Wastewater Grant Program for wastewater facility improvements in Rural Areas of Economic Opportunity and financially disadvantaged communities. The $20 million awarded is from federal funds. 

Visit https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FY2021-22_WastewaterGrantsSelected_1.pdf for a list of all awarded wastewater projects.