St. Lucie Wins $286,298 Federal Conservation Grant

Today often-left-behind St. Lucie County wasn't.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla. announced St. Lucie won a competitive $286,298 grant for Indian River and St. Lucie habitat conservation planning from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"This grant will give some relief to local taxpayers and landowners by providing federal funds to support conservation efforts," Rooney said. "This funding will help identify areas of need and find potential habitats for some of Florida's threatened and endangered species."

The grant is expected to benefit species like the Florida grasshopper sparrow, wood stork and Florida scrub jay.