FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2015
PUTNAM COUNTY AWARDED $1.4 MILLION FOR CONTINUATION OF PROJECT TO HELP PROTECT
ST.
JOHNS RIVER
~State
funding assists stormwater project to improve water quality~
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – The Department of Environmental
Protection recently provided a loan increase of approximately $1.4 million
through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program to support
Putnam County’s wastewater facility expansion project.
This loan increase completed the SRF funding for the
construction of the East Putnam Wastewater System near the St. Johns River that treats 300,000
gallons of wastewater per day. Funding also allowed for expansion of the
current collection system by adding two lift stations. Another lift station was modified by adding a duplex grinder pump station and expanding the
transmission system. This project will eliminate approximately 140 septic
tanks and two package wastewater treatment plants near the St. Johns River.
"DEP is proud to partner with local municipalities as we work toward the common goal of preserving Florida's natural resources," said
DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. "Water restoration assistance loans and
grants help us assist local governments in making vital infrastructure
improvements, which enhance the quality of local water bodies."
The East Putnam Wastewater System officially opened on Nov. 30, 2015.
"Putnam County is excited to complete this expansion project," said Chip Laibl, chair of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners. "The partnership with DEP and other agencies has made this project possible and allows us to protect our local water bodies for future generations."
In addition to this new SRF
loan increase of $1.4 million to complete the project, the project previously received $6.6 million in
SRF loan funding. The total estimated cost for this project is approximately
$11.6 million, which includes funding from USDA’s Rural Development program and state
appropriations.
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