FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2016
SPRINGS RESTORATION PROJECTS IDENTIFIED TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $56 MILLION IN FUNDING
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, 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.
Along with $33.1 million in matching funds at the state and local
levels, the total investment in springs projects will be $89.7 million for this new fiscal year. Governor Scott has provided historic
funding during the past four years, which when leveraged with local funding, totals more than $275 million that directly benefits springs water quality and quantity.
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.”
The 35 statewide projects include:
-
Volusia Blue Advance Wastewater Treatment (VOLUSIA
BLUE): The project will upgrade and
expand the advanced wastewater treatment system from the existing 1.7
million gallons per day (MGD ) to 2.7 MGD, increasing capacity to allow
for future septic removal and further reducing nutrient loading into
Volusia Blue Spring by approximately 41,000 pounds per year. In addition,
the project will reduce groundwater withdrawals, helping to preserve the
ecosystem and protect the spring.
-
Hernando County's Package Plant Connection Project
(WEEKI WACHEE SPRING GROUP): The
project will connect several private wastewater package plants within the
Weeki Wachee, Homosassa and Aripeka springsheds to Hernando County's
central wastewater collection system, reducing nutrients by approximately
1,369 pounds per year. The project will also result in additional
reclaimed water for beneficial reuse.
-
Septic Connection (WAKULLA SPRINGS): The project will connect up to 130 homes currently on
septic tanks to the existing central sewer system within the city of
Tallahassee and the priority area for Wakulla Springs. The anticipated
nutrient load reduction is 2,526 pounds per year.
-
Fanning Springs Wastewater Collection System Extension
Phase IV (FANNING SPRINGS): The
project will expand the city of Fanning Springs' sewer system, eliminating
and preventing 198 septic tanks, reducing nutrient loading to Fanning
Springs. This is phase four of the Fanning Springs Sewer Expansion Project,
which is anticipated to reduce approximately 4,554 pounds per year of
nutrients from Fanning Springs.
Click here to see a complete list of projects. The
projects are part of the upcoming budget public hearings to be held by each
of the respective water management districts.
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