The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is now accepting applications for cost-share projects to develop alternative water supplies (AWS). This initiative is part of Florida’s continuing efforts to implement cost-effective strategies to conserve its precious water resources while meeting the state’s water needs. Partnering with local governments and other entities for implementation of water conservation projects and development of alternative water projects is an important and effective way to help accomplish this goal. All local governments applying for this grant must have an adopted irrigation ordinance consistent with the district’s year-round irrigation rule in place in order to be eligible for funding consideration.

Gov. Ron DeSantis requested annually recurring cost-share funding for developing water supply and water resource development projects. The SFWMD is requesting applications for funding consideration for AWS and water conservation projects within the district’s 16-county service area in anticipation of cost-share funding being appropriated for Fiscal Year 2023-24. This funding cycle corresponds to a project start date occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2023.

Eligible projects for consideration should be construction-ready AWS projects, ready-to-implement water conservation technology programs, or projects that provide the most immediate benefits.

The deadline to apply is March 2, 2023, at 4 p.m., EST. Projects may receive up to 50 percent cost-share of eligible project costs.

To apply for the funding and for more details, visit sfwmd.gov/coopfunding. For assistance with the application process or technical support, contact Stacey Adams via email at sadams@sfwmd.gov or by phone at 561-682-2577, Robert Wanvestraut via email at rowanves@sfwmd.gov or by phone at 561-682-6615, or Rosines Colon via email at rcolon@sfwmd.gov or by phone at 561-682-6715.