FLORIDA’S SPRINGS RECEIVE $69 MILLION BOOST

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 11, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FLORIDA’S SPRINGS RECEIVE $69 MILLION BOOST

~Legislative approval brings total investment to $100 million in last two years~

 

TALLAHASSEE On Wednesday, the Joint Legislative Budget Commission approved the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed $69 million in springs projects leveraged by the $30 million Governor Scott secured in the “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget.” This approval brings the total investment in springs projects to more than $100 million in the last two years.

"I would like to thank Governor Scott for his leadership in providing record-setting funding for springs restoration. The health of our springs is a top priority for the department, and the Florida Legislature, the water management districts and local elected officials continue to show their commitment to protect and restore springs throughout the Sunshine State," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "Approval of this great plan will enable state and local partners to implement projects that will protect the quality and quantity of water that flows from our springs."

The project plan is a collaborative effort with the department, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders. The contributions and cooperation of these agencies and individuals have been crucial throughout the development process. Combining efforts and resources from various agencies across Florida allows for more efficient and comprehensive water restoration.

A total of 27 projects will benefit the following springs and spring systems:

Northeast Florida - $15,242,175

  • Fanning
  • Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers and associated springs
  • Levy Blue

Northwest Florida - $15,917,210

  • Econfina
  • Holmes Creek
  • Jackson Blue
  • Wakulla

Central Florida - $14,330,000

  • Blue
  • Silver
  • Wekiva

Southwest Florida - $24,156,433

  • Aripeka
  • Chassahowitzka
  • Crystal
  • Panasofkee

The objective of the project plan is to effectively address water quality and water quantity by supporting both urban and agricultural projects across geographic regions of the state where springs occur in the natural landscape. The projects were selected based on pollutant reduction, water quantity conservation, cost effectiveness and available matching grant funding.

For a list of the approved springs projects, click HERE.

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