Volusia County approves $13 million in ECHO grants for 10 local projects

Volusia County leaders approved more than $13 million in ECHO grants Tuesday for projects aimed at expanding outdoor recreation, water access and environmental and cultural programs.County officials said the $13.1 million will fund 10 projects across six cities and four nonprofit organizations. Combined with matching funds from recipients, the projects represent nearly $26.4 million in investment.According to the county, several projects focus on water access, including new boat ramps and a fishing pier in Edgewater, a 250-foot observation pier on the Halifax River in Holly Hill and a passenger-boat dock on the Indian River Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach.Other projects include a dinosaur-themed splash pad in DeBary, improvements to Willow Run Park in Port Orange and a new nature center at the D Ranch Preserve near Osteen.The largest grants, at $2.5 million each, will go toward projects in Edgewater and Daytona Beach, as well as Conservation Florida’s D Ranch Preserve Nature Center.County o