Rick Scott Announces $29 Million to Improve South Florida Water Quality

Gov. Rick Scott joined Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vineyard Jr. on Friday to announce 10 wastewater and stormwater projects that will receive more than $29 million in loan funding for South Florida through the departments Clean Water State Revolving Fund program.

The Projects in South Florida Include projects in Miami-Dade, Monroe County, Islamorada, Marathon,Key Largo, Dania Beach, North Miami and Miramar.

Established in 1989, theClean Water State Revolving Fund program provides financial savings for projects to benefit the environment, including protection of public health and conservation of local watersheds.

The program has awarded $3.8 billion in loans since its inception, and more than $1.4 billion in funding for 96 projects in just the last five years.

Investing in water quality in South Florida is important to all the families who live in the area," said Scott. "These critical projects will help keep Floridians and our environment healthy. We must continue our focus to improve water quality throughout the state to ensure that Florida remains the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family.

The announcement received a great deal of praise from legislators across the state.

In order for our state to continue to attract visitors, we must continue to prioritize spending on our environment," said Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah. "Todays announcement of wastewater and stormwater treatment upgrades is good for our economy and for all Floridians.

For years the State Revolving Fund has given communities the boost they need to implement technologies that will change the impact they have on our states delicate water resources," said Rep. Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes. "Gov. Scott has once again provided that bump to put local governments in a position to make a difference.