Citrus County officials said the state has awarded the county $16,400,000 through a job-growth/hurricane recovery appropriation for sewer rehabilitation and another $4,300,000 through Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Springs Restoration Grant program to support a regional wastewater collection system in Old Homosassa.

County Administrator Steve Howard told the Board of County Commissioners that the $16.4 million award — which staff described as the largest state grant Citrus County has ever received — will fund projects to reduce inflow and infiltration and to replace commercial and residential on-site sewage treatment systems with central sewer connections. Howard credited coordination with the governor’s office and the Department of Commerce in securing the funding.

The Springs Restoration award will specifically support construction of a regional wastewater collection system in Old Homosassa, a project the county has prioritized to reduce nutrient pollution that harms springs and waterways. Howard and county staff acknowledged the work of many staff members on the grant applications; several employees were recognized at the meeting for their role in developing the project scopes and securing awards.

Why it matters: County officials said the grants target sewer flows that spike during storm tides and heavy rainfall, helping protect springs and coastal water quality while reducing public-health risks and long-term maintenance costs for failing septic systems.

What’s next: Staff told commissioners the agreements and project administration will move forward, and that state execution of grant paperwork is pending for some awards; projects will proceed to design and bid phases once contracts are finalized.

Representative transcript excerpts: “Citrus County will receive a $16,400,000 grant … the largest state grant the county has ever received,” and “the Springs Restoration Grant will support the construction of a regional wastewater collection system in the East downtown area of Old Homosassa,” county staff said during the board meeting.

The board did not take a separate formal vote on accepting the announcements beyond approving the meeting agenda and recognizing staff; staff indicated further formal agreements and bidding steps will follow.