Archer, Ft. White, Williston and Lake City will receive a combined $29.1 million in Water Quality Improvement Grant funding from Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection after making the cut as part of 31 high-priority projects.  

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the award funding, totaling $189 million, at a Tuesday press conference in Palm Bay. In addition to the Water Quality Improvement Grant, he also announced $55 million in Alternative Water Supply Grants and $100 million through the new Indian River Lagoon Protection Program. 

Archer will get $13 million for its grant, and the funds will allow Archer to piggyback with the city of Newberry on a regional wastewater treatment facility. Once completed, Archer residents will have wastewater for the first time, moving away from the current septic tank system.  

Commissioners at a joint meeting with Alachua County’s Board of County Commissioners said they hope adding wastewater will help bring residents and businesses to the area.  

Ft. White will receive $12 million for a wastewater treatment plant expansion and septic-to-sewer conversions. Trenton will use $2.4 million for a septic-to-sewer project, and Lake City will get $1.7 million for a septic-to-sewer project around State Road 47 and I-75.  

“Florida’s waterways are a vital part of our environment, economy, and way of life, and protecting these resources continues to be a top priority,” DeSantis said of the grants.