FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2016
NORTHEAST FLORIDA SPRINGS
RESTORATION PROJECTS APPROVED TO RECEIVE MORE THAN
$31 MILLION IN FUNDING
~Collaboration enables more comprehensive and efficient approach to
restoration~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Secretary Jon Steverson announced that under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Water Management Districts have identified 35 springs projects to receive more than $56.6 million included in the 2016-17 “FLORIDA FIRST” budget, the highest amount ever provided for Florida’s springs. DEP and the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) have
approved 12 springs restoration projects in Alachua, Gilchrist,
Hamilton, Jefferson, Levy and Suwannee counties. These projects will
receive more than $22.9 million in state funding from Legacy Florida through the department's Division of Water
Restoration Assistance (DWRA) program. This funding is expected to leverage
more than $8.4 million in matching funds for a total of more than $31 million.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s beautiful springs are one
of our state’s greatest natural treasures and help attract families, visitors
and job creators. Since 2013, the state has provided more than $135 million for
springs restoration, the highest amount of funding in Florida’s history. The
funding for these potential projects shows our continued commitment to
protecting our springs, and I look forward to seeing them implemented so
Florida’s natural treasures can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
DEP Secretary Jon Steverson said, “I would like to thank Governor
Scott and the Florida Legislature for their ongoing support of springs restoration.
The springs projects that will be implemented because of this funding will make
a difference in improving environmental conditions and enhancing local
communities.”
Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director Noah Valenstein said, “The Suwannee River Water Management District is defined by the
world renowned springs that provide a foundation for North Florida’s tourism and
natural resource based economy. This investment by Governor Scott,
Secretary Steverson, and the Florida Legislature will help to partner with our
communities to improve the quality and quantity of water within these natural
treasures.”
The project development process is a collaborative effort among
the department, water management districts, community leaders and local
stakeholders. Projects are selected based on pollutant reduction, water
conservation, cost effectiveness and available matching dollars. These 12
selected projects will benefit Fanning, Hart, Ichetucknee, Otter, Poe, Pot and Wacissa springs as well as the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers and the Floridan Aquifer.
A few of the Suwannee River Water Management District springs
projects include:
Fanning Springs Septic-to-Sewer: Awarded $3.4 million from DEP to expand the city
of Fanning Springs' sewer system, eliminating and preventing 198 septic tanks,
and reducing nutrient loading to Fanning Springs. This is phase three
of the Fanning Springs Sewer Expansion Project and is anticipated to reduce
approximately 4,554 pounds per year of nutrients from Fanning Springs. The SRWMD previously provided a
$278,000 match to support a $7 million investment in the city’s companion
project to expand the wastewater collection and treatment system, which
provided the capacity for the current project.
Hart Springs Septic-to-Sewer: Awarded $1.8 million from DEP and a $50,000 local match for the first phase to decommission the existing septic tanks at Otter Springs Park and remove the drain fields, connect nearby existing homes currently on septic tanks to the wastewater collection system, and decommission the existing wastewater package plant and sprayfield at Hart Springs Park. The three-phase project will connect both Otter and Hart springs to the city of Fanning Springs wastewater treatment plant, providing an estimated 1,724 pounds per year of nutrient reductions.
Ichetucknee Springs Agricultural Pilot Program: Awarded $5 million from DEP to incentivize low-nutrient land uses through contracts, easements and acquisitions, while maintaining a strong, sustainable agricultural industry and private land ownership. The project is anticipated to reduce nutrients by 375,000 pounds per year and conserve approximately 5 million gallons per day of water.
The 35 projects statewide, which include
the 12 SRWMD projects, that have been selected to receive more
than $56.6 million in state funding are expected to leverage another $33.1
million in matching funds. This brings the total state and local investment in
springs projects to more than $275 million in the past four years.
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