DEP PROVIDES $700,000 TO DESOTO COUNTY FOR WATER, WASTEWATER PROJECTS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 26, 2014

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

DEP PROVIDES $700,000 TO DESOTO COUNTY FOR WATER, WASTEWATER PROJECTS

~ Funding will pay for new facilities as part of road-widening project ~

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TALLAHASSEE – DeSoto County will use $700,000 in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help pay for the extension of public water and wastewater lines along U.S. Highway 17.

The money will help fund part of the $5-million project, which will also construct pumping stations and lift stations as part of the highway’s widening. The county has also received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and may apply for additional funding through DEP’s State Revolving Funds program.

“DEP believes in investing in projects that pay dividends for the environment,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Making sure water and wastewater upgrades are accomplished at the same time this road-widening project is completed in DeSoto County is a cost-effective way to improve Florida’s environment.”

“I am in support of this project that will positively impact travel along U.S. 17,” Senator Bill Galvano said.

“I'm very excited about this forthcoming water project for DeSoto County,” Representative Ben Albritton said. “Our DEP, through the leadership of Gov. Scott and Sec. Vineyard, has been a wonderful partner in making sure we are focused on water the right way.”

“The appropriation is significant to the overall project to get the cost down because we have a relatively young utility,” said Mandy Hines, the county administrator for DeSoto County. “Any reduction in our debt associated with this project is extremely beneficial as we have a young utility with a young customer base.”

Once funding is secured, DeSoto County officials expect to solicit bids in the near future to begin the next phase of the project.