Last week, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., showcased funds in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for water projects in Central Florida.
Soto noted the NDAA included $60 million in funds for Central Florida water projects. The funds include:
Orange County: $50 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, including water reclamation and water supply
Polk County: $10 million for wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management
Osceola County: Initial authorization for ecosystem restoration projects in Lake Tohopekaliga/Kissimmee Lakefront, Lake Runnymede, and Shingle Creek totaling nearly $164 million. Soto’s office noted the congressman will begin seeking funding for this in the next budget.
“Our Central Florida community will greatly benefit from the water projects included in the FY23 NDAA. With this funding, we will see major improvements in water infrastructure across Florida’s Ninth Congressional District to improve the quality of life for our constituents and make us better equipped for future natural disasters and flooding,” said Soto last week. “In Orange and Polk County, we secured $60 million in total to begin these critical projects. In Osceola County, we will continue working with key stakeholders to determine what is needed to achieve our goals in Lake Tohopekaliga/Kissimmee Lakefront, Lake Runnymede, and Shingle Creek. From there, I look forward to advocating for essential resources.”