LIVE OAK, FLA., DECEMBER 4, 2025 – Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced the approval of more than $4.5 million in funding for a trio of projects that will help strengthen water resources in the Suwannee River Water Management District (District).
The funding is part of an overall $112 million announced by Gov. DeSantis for statewide projects identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Florida’s water management districts. The full list of projects can be found here.
Funding for these projects comes from both DEP’s springs and watershed restoration program which provides funding for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state’s water resources, as well as funding to develop alternative water supply sources to supplement and reduce water use from the Floridan Aquifer.
The District’s Governing Board accepted the project funding requests earlier this year and sent them to DEP for approval.
“Governor DeSantis’s steadfast commitment to protecting Florida’s environment and water resources underscores a powerful truth; by driving innovative investments now, we can lay the groundwork for reliable, sustainable water security to support healthy ecosystems and resilient communities that can benefit for generations,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Projects include:
- Agricultural Springs Protection Phase Two – $3 million – This districtwide cost-share project will work to reduce nutrient loads and water usage with priority given to projects within a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and/or Florida Water Resource Caution Area (WRCA).
- Alternative Water Supply Feasibility Study Phase Two – $750,000 – This project will investigate water available during high-flow events and alternative sources to provide recharge and/or storage to support Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) in the District.
- Remote Irrigation Management and Reporting – $800,000 – This project will implement meters in the North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership area to allow the District to work with producers to better monitor water usage for planning purposes.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
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