Division of Water Restoration Assistance

The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing financial assistance to fund projects that improve the quality and quantity of the water resources of the state. The division was formed in 2015 when several significant water project funding programs collected from around the agency and brought together under one leadership. Formal adoption of the division was completed by the Legislature in 2016.

The Division of Water Restoration Assistance provides loans and grants to local governments, utilities and sometimes other agencies for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state's water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. These projects improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and ground water, conserve energy or water, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, provide alternative water supply, restore potable water for homeowners in areas affected by declining source water quality, and restore habitat/enhance recreation through the Deepwater Horizon program. 

Division staff also manage springs projects through the Springs and Watershed Restoration Program, and Alternative Water Supply projects and legislative appropriated water-related projects through the Water Quality and Supply Program.

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Meet the Director

Angela Knecht, Director, Division of Water Restoration Assistance

Angela Knecht serves as the Director of the Division of Water Restoration Assistance, where she leads the administration of financial assistance programs that provide low-interest loans and grants to local governments, utilities and other agencies. Her work supports projects that enhance the quality and quantity of Florida’s water resources, delivering lasting environmental benefits and strengthening local communities.

Angela began her career with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in 1998 in the Bureau of Water Facilities Funding. In 2006, she advanced to become the program administrator for the State Revolving Fund Management Program, where she oversaw more than $6 billion in loans and grants to municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations.

A proud graduate of Florida State University, Angela is a Florida Certified Contract Manager and an alumna of DEP’s LEAPS program (Leading, Engaging, Advancing, Promoting and Sustaining…the future of DEP). She also serves on the board of directors for the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities and currently holds the position of president.

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For division programs and other division information - contacts, rules and rulemaking, and funding announcements, publications and resources - see the Quick Links menu.

To sign up for future updates from the Division of Water Restoration Assistance on the availability of water project funding and other related news, please enter your email at the link below.

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Please select from the funding programs in the Quick Links menu (top left of page) to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. Please note that a project may be eligible for and receive funds from more than one funding source. We are here to assist with funding needs.