DEP PROVIDES $500,000 TO BARTOW FOR WASTEWATER PROJECT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 21, 2014

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

DEP PROVIDES $500,000 TO BARTOW
FOR WASTEWATER PROJECT

~Funding will help protect Peace River Basin, Charlotte Harbor Estuary watersheds~

TALLAHASSEE – A $500,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection helps the city of Bartow expand services at its water reclamation facility.

The facility already accepts and treats all wastewater from Polk County’s Central Regional User Services Area as well as the city of Eagle Lake. Growth in the region has made expansion of the facility a necessity to eliminate the need for major enlargement of Polk County’s Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“The Bartow Reclamation Water Facility has not only produced cost savings for Polk County residents, but also long-term protection for the Peace River Basin and the Charlotte Harbor Estuary,” DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. said. “Expanding the benefits from the facility is a wise investment for Florida’s environment.”

"The city of Bartow Water Reclamation Facility improvement for this Regional Wastewater Treatment system is a city, county and state partnership,” Sen. Denise Grimsley said. “I am happy to be a part of a true partnership of this nature. This portion of the Bartow Wastewater System is a start toward water reclamation and protections of the waters of the state.  As their State Senator, I look forward to continue helping this project come to total fruition."

“Bartow has always held a special place in my heart and I'm honored to represent them in Tallahassee,” Rep. Ben Albritton said. “It was a pure pleasure to support the $500,000 investment in our water reclamation facility. Governor Scott has again shown his support for Bartow in his support of this important project.”

DEP’s $500,000 in funding will be supplemented by an additional $145,000 in local funds. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.