FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 24, 2016
DEP AWARDS $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR UPCOMING SPRINGS RESTORATION PROJECTS
~Springs projects receive funding to improve water-quality~
DEP Secretary Jon Steverson joined the St. Johns River Water Management District and partners to celebrate the grand opening at Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area in
Marion County.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded $1.5 million in grants to the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) for three springs restoration projects as part of the 2016-17 "Florida First" budget allocations for Florida springs projects.
"We are pleased to provide funding to protect and enhance our iconic springs," said DEP Deputy Secretary Drew Bartlett. "Florida's springs are not only world-renowned to visitors, but necessary to the water needs of Florida's environment. Protecting and restoring these precious natural resources is of critical importance to the department."
The recently awarded SJRWMD springs restoration projects include:
City of Longwood Island Lake Septic Tank Connection/Removal: Awarded $864,580 to provide sewer service and eliminate 100 residential septic tanks in Longwood, located within the Wekiva Springs springshed. The anticipated nutrient reduction is 3,600 pounds per year.
Marion County Retrofit of Stormwater Ponds: Awarded $241,250 to retrofit two stormwater ponds in Marion County and the Silver Springs watershed with nitrogen removal systems. The project will include replacing stormwater pipes and structures, and expanding one of the ponds to increase storage capacity. The anticipated nutrient reduction is approximately 318 pounds per year.
Silver Springs Forest Hydrologic and Springs Restoration: Awarded $475,000 to restore and enhance groundwater recharge and surface water hydrology in the approximately 4,900-acre Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area. By reducing turbid water discharges to the Silver River, the anticipated nutrient reduction is approximately 13,000 pounds per year. The project will also provide up to five million gallons per day of water conservation and help restore flow, benefiting the Silver Springs Group and Upper Floridan aquifer.
DEP and four 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.
Click here to see a complete list of 2016-17 springs projects.
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