News DEP launches Hurricane Stormwater and Wastewater Assistance Grant Program for affected local governments | News, Sports, Jobs
Tallahassee, Florida — Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced new funding opportunities for local governments operating stormwater or wastewater management systems in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. John’s, St. Lucie, Sarasota and Volusia counties were impacted by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole.
“The department is committed to helping these communities rebuild,” DEP secretary Sean Hamilton said. “This new financing opportunity will ensure stormwater and wastewater systems can be restored as quickly as possible to protect our communities and the environment.”
To be eligible for the program, affected facilities must be operated by a county, city, or special taxing district, and applicants must provide proof of:
• The applicant’s stormwater or wastewater system was damaged as a result of Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole.
• Damage to stormwater or wastewater systems that poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment if not addressed immediately.
During the December 2022 special legislative session, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature established the Hurricane Stormwater and Wastewater Assistance Grant Program and allocated $100 million to help affected local governments respond to storm damage. Damage from stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. DEP established emergency rules for this new program under Florida Law Chapter 2022-272.
The application deadline is March 31 at 11:59 pm ET. To submit an application, visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/grants.
Please note that any information submitted to DEP becomes a public record and is disclosed pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and Title 1, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Submission of a project proposal does not constitute an agreement and does not guarantee funding.
For questions or for more information, please email Sandra Waters, Deputy Director, DEP Water Restoration Assistance.
Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
