FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr. 27, 2016
MORE THAN $13 MILLION AWARDED TO NORTH AND CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITIES
FOR DRINKING WATER PROJECTS
~DEP committed to state's water infrastructure improvements and safe drinking water~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $13 million in low-interest loans to North and Central Florida communities for drinking water projects. Loans have been awarded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, which assists communities with projects that protect the safety of their drinking water.
"The ability to provide funding for drinking water projects is vital to meeting the state's stringent water-quality standards and protecting the health of its residents and visitors," said Trina Vielhauer, director of the DEP's Division of Water Restoration Assistance. "We encourage community leaders to take advantage of this funding opportunity."
Below are several examples of recent DWSRF projects in the northern and central regions of the state.
NORTHWEST
Havana: Awarded a $1 million loan for the town's new water well project, which includes a new well and upgrades to the water storage unit, treatment, pumping and water main. These enhancements will increase storage and distribution capacity as well as improve treatment.
Marianna: Awarded a $2.9 million increase to an existing loan for a total of $3.1 million in funding for the city's dual water main distribution project. This project will remove contaminants from the Sunland Water System. The project also includes filters for dieldrin removal in supply wells as a short-term solution until the dual main extension project is completed.
NORTHEAST
Bunnell: Awarded a $1.2 million loan to assist in funding the
recently opened ion exchange water treatment facility featuring the MICo® SOF
ion exchange process, the first water treatment process of its kind
in North America. This 1-million gallon per day drinking water
treatment plant simultaneously removes contaminants and softens water.
The unique two-step process lowers costs, provides better tasting
drinking water and meets state and EPA regulations for safe drinking water.
Fanning Springs: Awarded a $400,000 increase to an existing loan for a total of $1.6 million in funding to assist the Nature Coast Regional Water Authority in extending its service to the Old Town area. This five-phase project will remove more than 600 residents and commercial businesses from contaminated wells as well as install approximately 20 miles of distribution piping and an elevated storage tank.
CENTRAL
Orange City: Awarded a $500,000 increase to an existing loan for a total of $5.5 million in funding to assist the city with its pipe rehabilitation project and water treatment upgrades. These improvements will reduce disinfection byproducts and provide safe drinking water to the residents of this small Volusia County community.
Ponce Inlet: Awarded a $212,000 increase to an existing loan for a total of $1.3 million in funding for replacement of undersized and aging drinking water pipes and older galvanized pipes. The project will also improve the distribution system reliability.
One of the benefits of DWSRF loans for projects that help resolve an immediate health concern in financially-disadvantaged communities is that a large part of the loan is forgiven and does not need to be paid back by the community. More than $9 million from some of the projects listed above requires no repayment.
An additional $50 million is available to communities this fiscal year to fund eligible projects.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program
provides low-interest loans to eligible entities for planning, designing and
constructing public water facilities. DWSRF has awarded more than $273
million in funding for 62 drinking water improvement projects during the
past five years for a total of $925 million in loan funds since its inception
in 1998. For more information,
visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wff/dwsrf/index.htm.
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