FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 14, 2015
DEP PROVIDES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION FOR WATER
PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
~Projects address stormwater drainage, sanitary
sewer service in Putnam, Nassau counties~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is
providing more than $1.5 million for water-related projects in two counties in
northeast Florida. The funding will address issues related to stormwater
drainage, excess nutrients and sanitary sewer service in Nassau and Putnam
counties.
“Properly addressing stormwater runoff and wastewater
remains key to preserving and protecting Florida’s natural resources,” DEP
Secretary Jon Steverson said. “Working with local governments in northeast
Florida to protect the area’s waterbodies is a wise investment for the state
and I appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Scott and the Florida
Legislature.”
“I appreciate Governor Scott, DEP and my colleagues in the
Florida Legislature for providing this funding,” Sen. Aaron Bean said. “The
variety of these projects shows how important it is for our state’s leadership
to monitor all aspects of water quality in the state.”
Nassau County is receiving $567,000 to help restore Thomas
Creek to its natural condition, reducing flooding in the creek’s drainage basin
and improving water quality. The project will focus on removing debris and
fallen vegetation that have blocked waterflow, allowing stormwater to drain more
quickly during heavy storm events. Thomas Creek creates much of the border
between Nassau and Duval counties.
The town of Hilliard is receiving $200,000 to fund part of a
rehabilitation project aimed at addressing issues stemming from aging clay pipe
in the town’s wastewater collection system. The funding will be used to clean
and examine the clay pipes to make plans for repairing or rehabilitating any
identified deficiencies.
Putnam County is receiving $750,000 to help fund the
construction phase of a regional wastewater system that will allow the county
to hook up additional residences and businesses to the system and reduce the
number of septic tanks being used in east Palatka. The removal of these septic
tanks is part of the county’s Basin Management Action Plan and the project will
contribute to improvements in the St. Johns River.
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