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TAMPA – A key environmental improvement project in Newberry is moving forward after Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $112 million in statewide water quality and water supply grants on Dec. 3, including $2.9 million for the city’s septic-to-sewer conversion effort.

The funding is part of the state’s Springs Restoration Grant Program, which supports projects designed to improve water quality and restore spring flow. Newberry’s project will replace aging residential septic systems with centralized wastewater service. State officials said the conversion will benefit the Santa Fe River and surrounding springs by reducing nutrient pollution from older septic tanks.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the state’s decisions “are driven by science and long-term stewardship,” noting the funding will “help communities secure reliable water supplies, improve water quality and better respond to environmental challenges.”

The Newberry allocation is among 23 statewide springs restoration projects receiving support this year. Since 2019, Florida has invested $430 million in 147 springs projects, which have collectively reduced nitrogen loads by more than 907,000 pounds annually.

The governor’s announcement also included two additional major funding categories. The state awarded $50 million for 14 alternative water supply projects that will eventually create more than 94 million gallons of new water supply per day. Water management district leaders praised the investments, calling them a long-term strategy for meeting the needs of Florida’s growing population.

Another $12 million will support 16 technology projects aimed at detecting, preventing and mitigating harmful algal blooms. According to the state, the program has expanded the number of vendors and tools available to assist communities during bloom events.

“By investing in emerging technologies, we are expanding our scientific capacity to better understand and manage harmful algal blooms,” said Florida Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains.

For Newberry, the $2.9 million springs restoration grant marks a major step toward reducing environmental impacts from aging septic systems. The city has identified septic-to-sewer conversion as a priority for protecting local waterways, and the new funding positions the project to move forward in the coming year.

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