Indian River Lagoon cost-share opportunity

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved $25 million in funding for fiscal year 2020–21 for water quality improvement projects that specifically benefit the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) are inviting all entities with water quality improvement projects that benefit the Indian River Lagoon to submit for a grant funding opportunity.

Eligible projects must be located within the Indian River Lagoon watershed. Please refer to the Indian River Lagoon watershed map. Deadline for submittals was 5 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2020, for funding consideration. The grants are available for construction costs for local governments and non-governmental entities, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), colleges and universities.

The Districts will consider the following factors when reviewing IRL Water Quality applications:

  • The quantifiable water quality improvement benefits to the IRL.
  • Projects are construction ready and must start no later than July 31, 2021 with project completion within 24 months of contract execution.
  • Cost effectiveness.
  • The quality and completeness of the application.
  • The degree to which the application demonstrates local commitment (match funding and/or public support).
  • Whether the project is identified in a water quality restoration plan, e.g. BMAP or RAP.

The District’s application process opened July 28, 2020, and closed Aug. 21, 2020, at 5 p.m. Projects may be eligible for up to 100 percent 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 scoring.

For details, see the application and funding guidance manual at right.

For specific questions regarding the process or if a project may qualify, please email 2021IRLWQ@sjrwmd.com or contact project leaders listed on the right.

Contacts:

Lou Donnangelo (SJRWMD)
Cost-share Program Manager
Office: 904-448-7930
ldonnangelo@sjrwmd.com

Jodie Hutchins, P.E. (SFWMD)
Lead Engineer, Everglades and Estuaries Protection Bureau
Office: 561-682-2147
jhutchin@sfwmd.gov

Derek Busby (SJRWMD)
Cost-Share Project Manager
Office: 386-329-4459
Cell: 386-336-3895
dbusby@sjrwmd.com