Department of Environmental Protection

Water Restoration Assistance

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For assistance, call 850-245-2836 or visit https://floridadep.gov/wra/wra/content/water-restoration-assistance-contacts

What is the purpose of the program?

The Division of Water Restoration Assistance provides financial assistance to fund projects that improve the quality and quantity of water resources of the state. The division was formed in 2015 by combining several significant water project funding programs under one management structure and was formally adopted by the Legislature in 2016.

Which funding programs are available within the division?

The Division of Water Restoration Assistance supplies loan and grants to local governments, utilities, and other agencies for projects that enhance the quality and quantity of the state's water resources and benefit to the environment and local communities. Division staff also oversee legislatively appropriated water-related projects, including Springs Restoration Funding. The division is organized into the following programs.

Three funding streams distribute the funds that Florida receives as part of the Deepwater Horizon settlement. Funding will be provided for compensation for injury and damage under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA); civil penalties administered under the RESTORE Act; and a criminal settlement administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Gulf Environmental Benefits Fund.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) provides low interest loans to fund planning, design, and construction activities for wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects. The SRF is made up of three programs: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and State Revolving Fund Management.
The Nonpoint Source Management Program oversees funds for water pollution control from nonpoint sources. Nonpoint source pollution comes from comes from many scattered sources sources, including stormwater. The program administers both the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) and the State Water-Quality Assistance grants to reduce nonpoint source pollution from land use activities.
The Water Supply Restoration Program was developed in the mid-1980's and provides funds for well-owners to restore safe drinking water that has been impacted by man-made contamination. The program is funded by the Water Quality Assurance Fund and the Inland Protection Trust Fund.
The Water and Springs Restoration Program oversees the springs appropriation and any legislative grants used for restoring water quality.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2023-24

	Fund	Dollars	Positions
PROGRAM: WATER RESTORATION ASSISTANCE
	WATER RESTORATION ASSISTANCE	1,543,675,233	89.00
TOTAL		1,543,675,233	89.00

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Updates

Biosolids Grant Program. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-293 Laws of Florida, which establishes a biosolids grant program within DEP and provides that, subject to the appropriation of funds by the Legislature, DEP may provide grants to counties, special districts, and municipalities to support projects that

evaluate and implement innovative technologies and solutions for the disposal of biosolids; or
construct, upgrade, expand, or retrofit domestic facilities that convert wastewater residuals to Class AA biosolids, nonfertilizer uses or disposal methods, or alternatives to synthetic fertilizers.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Websites of Interest
Water Project Funding Sources, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Performance Information

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Section 20.255 and Chs. 373, 376, and 403 Part IV, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Division of Water Restoration Assistance, 850-245-2836
Website