WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded Wakulla County $8.3 million to help protect Wakulla Springs by advancing a major septic-to-sewer conversion project.
The grant is part of more than $60 million in funding for 17 springs restoration projects across the state, which are expected to reduce Total Nitrogen by more than 51,000 pounds annually, the department announced.
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The Wakulla County project will expand the county’s Wastewater Transmission System, connecting more properties to the centralized sewer system and reducing nutrient pollution flowing into Wakulla Springs, the DEP said.
“These investments not only protect critical ecosystems like Wakulla Springs but also ensure the long-term sustainability of Florida’s water resources for future generations,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
The state’s Springs Restoration Grant Program supports local efforts to improve water quality and spring flow. Other major grants announced this year include $7.5 million for Volusia Blue Spring and $4.9 million for Weeki Wachee Springs.
Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed an additional $50 million for springs restoration projects in the 2025-26 state budget.
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Since 2019, Florida has invested $380 million in 129 projects aimed at safeguarding springs, leading to an estimated annual reduction of more than 840,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen, according to the DEP.
A full list of 2024-25 funded projects is available at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
