FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 7, 2017
Gov.
Scott Announces $50 Million for Springs Restoration Projects Across Florida
~Continues
Historic Investment in Florida’s Iconic Spring Systems~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Rick
Scott announced the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and
the Florida Water Management Districts have identified 40 springs projects that
will receive $50 million as part of the 2017-2018 Fighting for Florida’s Future
budget. The $50 million in Legacy Florida funding for springs restoration
projects was included in Governor Scott’s recommended budget and approved by
the Legislature during this year’s legislative session. These projects will
help improve water quality, recharge water flow and protect habitat in
Florida’s iconic spring systems.
Governor
Scott said, “Florida is home to some of the most beautiful springs in the
world, and protecting these natural treasures is incredibly important for our
state’s families, environment and economy. Last year, I was proud to sign the Legacy
Florida bill to establish a dedicated funding source for springs protection and
I am glad that investment is continuing with $50 million for springs
restoration projects across the state this year.
Springs
protection will remain a priority so that Florida’s future generations will
continue to enjoy these unique natural treasures.”
DEP
works with water management districts to identify projects that will improve
the quality of Florida springs and provide a good return on investment. Many of
these projects include matching funds from various local partners. Combined
with match funding from Florida’s water management districts and local
partners, the investment in springs projects will total more than $94 million
during the 2017-18 fiscal year. Since Governor Scott took office, more than $365
million has been invested in Florida’s springs, the highest amount of funding
in Florida’s history.
DEP
Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “Thanks to the continued commitment of Governor
Scott and the Florida Legislature in securing a dedicated funding source for
springs restoration and protection, we can continue to focus on completing
strategic acquisitions and projects that will produce real benefits for our
spring systems. I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and
Legislature, the water management districts and partners in the environmental,
agricultural and local communities to conserve and protect Florida’s iconic
springs.”
As
part of these springs projects, the state is launching three new Springs
Protection Land Acquisition Initiatives, with a total of more than $6 million
allocated for land acquisitions to protect Wakulla Springs, Econfina Springs
and springs along the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers. An additional $2.5 million
will be allocated toward a conservation easement that will ensure land
protection and nutrient reduction benefits for De Leon Spring.
Senate
President Joe Negron said, “Restoring and protecting Florida’s springs is
essential to fully and faithfully implementing the Water and Land Conservation
Amendment passed by Florida voters in 2014. Legacy Florida ensures dedicated,
annual funding for this critical effort. Governor Scott has been a strong
advocate for preserving Florida’s environment, particularly our Springs, and I
appreciate his ongoing leadership and support of our Legacy Florida
initiative.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Our springs provide beauty, drinking
water, jobs, and an identity for many communities. We will continue to fight,
along with the Governor, for the protection of this distinctly Floridian
natural resource."
Other restoration and
protection projects that have been identified for funding this fiscal year will enhance water quality through wastewater, stormwater and
runoff pollution control projects, including septic tank conversion and
agricultural partnerships. Projects to expand water reuse and improve aquifer
recharge rates will also help ensure the protection of Florida’s groundwater
supply.
The 40 statewide projects include:
-
Southwest Florida Water Management District: Kings Bay (Citrus County) sewer extension
and reuse project – This project will improve water quality in Kings Bay by supporting
the construction of a sewer main extension to remove septic systems and route 2
million gallons per day of reclaimed water out of the springshed.
-
Northwest Florida Water Management District: Wakulla Springs (Wakulla
County) septic connection projects – These projects will improve water
quality in Wakulla springs by connecting more than 370 residences currently on
septic tanks to an existing central sewer service.
-
St Johns River Water Management District: Silver Springs (Marion County) wetland treatment
and recharge project – This project will increase the flow of Silver Springs by
receiving and treating excess reclaimed water and stormwater, providing 3 to 5
million gallons per day of recharge.
-
Suwannee River Water Management District: White and Blue Sink springs (Hamilton and Suwannee County) wastewater
improvement project – This project will improve water quality for two springs
along the Suwannee River by providing advanced wastewater treatment and
eliminating 32 commercial septic tanks.
A
complete list of the springs protection projects funded by the Fighting for
Florida’s Future budget can be found HERE. These projects will
be considered by the water management district Governing Boards as part of
their upcoming budget hearings. More
information is also available on springs projects funded during the FY 16-17 year and FY 15-16 year.
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