Press Releases

Governor Crist Announces $132 million in Recovery Act Funding for Florida Water Projects

by Governor's Press Office

Posted on April 17, 2009


Governor Crist Announces $132 million in Recovery Act Funding for

Florida Water Projects

~ Funds to make low-interest loans to local governments for wastewater and stormwater construction projects ~

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his efforts to reinvigorate Florida’s economy and protect Florida’s environment, today announced the award of more than $132 million to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The funds, provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will help the state and local governments finance many overdue improvements to wastewater and stormwater projects that are essential for protecting public health and the environment across the state.

“These federal stimulus funds will help create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect our health,” said Governor Crist. “At least 20 percent of the funds will be committed to green infrastructure and promoting innovative green practices such as water and energy efficiencies.”

The $132 million in federal money will be used to make low-interest loans to local governments for wastewater and stormwater construction projects. At least 50 percent will go to disadvantaged communities in the form of loans under which repayment of loan principal will be forgiven. In addition, 20 percent will fund “green” infrastructure projects.

Approximately 70 projects are currently under review for award of the federal funds, with a total estimated cost of $1.2 billion. Under the Recovery Act, projects must meet the basic qualifications of the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program, be willing to accept certain additional federal requirements and be under construction no later than mid-February 2010.

“The influx of federal stimulus dollars will allow DEP to put these funds to use quickly since many of the communities that will benefit from the money have been waiting for funding to become available,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole.  “This will allow the state to help finance more wastewater and stormwater projects than we would have otherwise been able to provide.”

Since the federal Clean Water SRF program began in 1987, Florida has received $932 million in federal “capitalization grant” funds. Through state matching funds, repayments on earlier loans, proceeds on bonds issued by DEP and interest on the fund, Florida has turned the federal funds into $2.7 billion in financial assistance to local governments throughout Florida for wastewater, stormwater and other pollution control projects. Nearly $730 million, or 27 percent, of the total financial assistance has been awarded to small communities.

Governor Crist made today’s announcement during the seventh meeting of Florida’s Economic Stimulus Working Group. Governor Crist formed the Federal Stimulus Working Group on February 2, 2009 in anticipation of Congress’ American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to review the best use of federal stimulus dollars. The working group includes Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, along with the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Budget Director and Policy Director. The group also includes Don Winstead, special advisor to the Governor for the implementation of the federal recovery act, and leaders from state agencies, departments and offices.

The ability to use the federal stimulus funding is subject to budgetary appropriation by the Florida Legislature, and Governor Crist looks forward to working with the Legislature to obtain the necessary approval.  For more information about Florida’s use of the federal recovery dollars made available through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, please visit www.FlaRecovery.com.

 

# # #

« Back