District awards nearly $1 million for water supply projects

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved more than $974,000 in grant funding for water supply development projects across northwest Florida.

This funding was awarded as part of a competitive grant program to help local governments and non-profit utilities address local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs.

Since 2013, the District has awarded approximately $20.6 million in grant funding to boost the infrastructure, economic, and public health needs of northwest Florida communities by addressing regional water resource and supply development priorities.

“We are grateful to be able to put taxpayer dollars back to work in this region,” Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “And this program allows us to play an active part in contributing to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Projects eligible for grant funding include traditional water supply development projects, alternative water supply projects, such as reuse projects, and conservation projects that result in quantifiable groundwater savings.

It is expected that District funds will help communities leverage state and local funding resources, as well as federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Community Development Block Grant program.

The District will continue to work with grant recipients to finalize project details and execute funding agreements in the coming weeks and months.

“An important part of the District’s mission is to ensure a safe and reliable supply of water for the people of this region, especially in those communities that face significant challenges in finding funding for these types of projects,” said Brett Cyphers, the District’s Executive Director. “I applaud the Board’s commitment to that mission and to the people of northwest Florida.”

The full list of projects that were awarded $974,355 in funding include (by county):

City of Lynn Haven (Bay County) The District will provide $49,825 to the City of Lynn Haven for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging cast iron pipes and associated infrastructures.

City of Blountstown (Calhoun County)The District will provide $82,142 to the City of Blountstown for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures.

Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Escambia County) The District will provide $159,559 to Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water line and interconnect Walnut Hill Water Works with Bratt-Davisville Water System.

City of Gretna (Gadsden County) The District will provide $92,850 to the City of Gretna for reuse/alternative water supply, which includes construction of a reclaimed water pumping station to offset portable water needs at the wastewater treatment facility.

City of Port St. Joe (Gulf County) The District will provide $80,000 to the City of Port St. Joe for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures.

Town of Noma (Holmes County) The District will provide $46,960 to the Town of Noma for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures.

City of Marianna (Jackson County) The District will provide $50,000 to the City of Marianna for a feasibility study/engineering, which includes completing a leak detection survey and creating a GIS database of drinking water infrastructure to reduce system water loss.

City of Laurel Hill (Okaloosa County) The District will provide $134,863 to the City of Laurel Hill for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures. including looping the system for increased reliability.

Berrydale Water System (Santa Rosa County) The District will provide $35,000 to Berrydale Water System for a feasibility study/engineering, which includes completing an analysis and evaluation of drinking water system improvements, including existing facilities, alternatives, costs, and recommendations.

City of DeFuniak Springs (Walton County) The District will provide $53,155 to the City of DeFuniak Springs for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures, including looping the system for increased reliability.

City of Freeport (Walton County) The District will provide $50,000 to the City of Freeport for a feasibility study/engineering, which includes completing engineering, hydraulic modeling, and surveying of major water system improvements needed along US 331.

City of Caryville (Washington County) The District will provide $140,000 to the City of Caryville for distribution/pipe improvements, which includes replacing water storage facility, associated water line replacement, and associated infrastructures.