NWFWMD Awards Nearly $8 Million in Water Supply Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com 

NWFWMD Awards Nearly $8 Million in Water Supply Funding

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $8 million in grant funding to be used for 26 new water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

This funding was awarded as part of the second cycle 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. During the first grant cycle, which was approved at the February 2014 Governing Board meeting, the District awarded nearly $10 million to fund 24 priority water supply projects.

“An important part of the District’s mission is ensuring a safe and reliable supply of water for the people of this region,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “This grant program allows the District to play an active part in contributing to the health and well-being of our communities by addressing regional water resource and supply development needs.”

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 water savings.

“The projects funded through the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s grant program are vital to ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people, businesses and environment of this region,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz. “The District’s support of these projects will encourage economic development and bring jobs to our area.”

After evaluating the 87 project applications that were submitted, the District identified 26 new projects it was able to fund this grant cycle. The $8 million also includes supplemental funding for two previously approved projects from the first grant cycle.

“These water projects will be a tremendous boost to our communities throughout North Florida,” said Senator Bill Montford.  “The much needed funds will help address serious issues that, when completed, will provide better and safer service.”

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

“For the second year, the District is partnering with local governments and utilities to address water supply and public safety needs that are critical to the communities of Northwest Florida and House District 7,” said Representative Halsey Beshears. “By working with these communities to meet their long-term water supply needs, the District is protecting the health of our environment while also helping our area’s economy grow.”

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs and upgrades to water distribution systems, which will help improve reliability and drinking water quality, as well protect the region’s water supply by reducing water loss. Several projects will also support the development and growth of reclaimed water use, which helps extend the water resources available for beneficial purposes while also helping to protect and restore watersheds by reducing wastewater discharges.

The full list of projects that were awarded funding include (by county):

Parker Water System Improvements (Bay County)
The District will provide $278,500 to the City of Parker to replace the City’s 30 non-functioning gate valves.  This will reduce water loss—protecting the area’s water supply—and improve system reliability and protect public health and safety by allowing for isolation of water line breaks and contamination events.

Springfield Water System Improvements (Bay County)
The District will provide $499,192 to the City of Springfield to install approximately 6,300 linear feet of 6 to 8-inch water line.  By replacing aging and deteriorating water lines, the project will improve system reliability and reduce water losses (which are currently estimated at approximately 25 percent).

Calhoun Catalyst Site/ Industrial Park Water Improvements (Calhoun County)
The District will provide $182,232 to Calhoun County to install 1,600 linear feet of new 8-inch PVC water line and complete upgrades and repairs to an existing elevated storage tank.  These upgrades will ensure a reliable water supply and encourage economic development by extending and improving water system access to the Calhoun County Catalyst Site and the Tri-County Agricultural Park.

Century Water System Leak Survey (Escambia County)
The District will provide $44,500 to the Town of Century to conduct a water leak survey of the town’s entire distribution system, which includes 60 miles of water main, to identify and prioritize leak repair efforts to reduce water loss from approximately 22 percent to a target of 10 percent—helping to protect the area’s water supply.

Pensacola Beach Reclaimed Water System Expansion – Phase 2 (Escambia County)
The District will provide $425,000 to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority to construct a ground storage tank, pump station, and associated piping, valves, and other system components to expand the Pensacola Beach reclaimed water system. Completion of the project will reduce reliance on potable groundwater for landscape irrigation and reduce wastewater discharges to the Santa Rosa Sound. It is expected that beneficial reuse will increase from approximately 60,000 to more than 285,000 gallons per day, with additional reuse supported in the future.

Eastpoint Water System Improvements (Franklin County)
The District will provide $346,669 to the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to bring an inland well online by installing a pump, generator, and control building. The project also includes developing a transmission line to an existing treatment and storage system and abandoning two coastal wells. These improvements will ensure a more reliable supply of water and build upon efforts to limit the potential for saltwater intrusion.

Greensboro Asbestos Cement Pipe Replacement (Gadsden County)
The District will provide $222,044 to the Town of Greensboro to replace 4,463 linear feet of aging 6-inch asbestos concrete pipe with PVC water line to reduce breaks and water loss, improve system reliability, and reduce health and safety risks posed by the older pipes.

Rosedale Water Association Transmission Line Replacement (Gadsden County)
The District will provide $272,978 to the Rosedale Water Association to replace 6,300 linear feet of aging 8-inch water transmission line.  Completion of the project is expected to result in reduced water losses and improved reliability and service.  Current water losses have been estimated as being as high as 43 percent.

Port St. Joe Lime Feed System and Water Main Replacement (Gulf County)
The District will provide $358,920 to the City of Port St. Joe to install a lime addition system to improve drinking water quality and replace 3,900 linear feet of aging cast iron pipe with PVC pipe.  The completion of this project will help improve water quality and reliability by addressing water chemistry issues associated with the City’s transition from ground to surface water.

Chipola River Pump #2 Rehabilitation (Gulf County)
The District is awarding $30,870 in additional funding to the City of Port St. Joe. Combined with funding awarded last year, the District will provide a total of $225,870 in grant funding to rehabilitate a supply pump and add a new diesel electric generator. The project will help improve public health and safety by providing a more reliable water supply system.

Bonifay Wastewater Treatment Facility/Reclaimed Water Reuse Facility (Holmes County)
The District will provide $350,000 to the City of Bonifay to conduct planning and geotechnical evaluation for a reclaimed water system, which, when completed, will ensure a more reliable supply of water and improve water quality by ultimately helping to reduce wastewater discharges to Holmes Creek and the Choctawhatchee River watershed.

Esto Water Main Replacement Project, Phase 2 (Holmes County)
The District will provide $553,853 to the Town of Esto to replace approximately 10,450 linear feet of aging water pipe, reducing water loss and improving reliability within the system.  This project will build upon 4,850 linear feet of pipeline currently being replaced, which the District funded last year with nearly $150,000 in additional grant funding.

Westville Water Main Replacement (Holmes County)
The District will provide $491,100 to the Town of Westville to replace approximately 19,310 linear feet of aging 4 to 6-inch water line, which will reduce water loss, provide fire protection, and improve water quality.

Campbellton Water Improvements Project (Jackson County)
The District will provide $322,062 to the Town of Campbellton to replace and upgrade approximately 2,700 linear feet of aging waterline, which will help reduce water losses and improve system reliability.

Cottondale Water Improvements Project (Jackson County)
The District will provide $284,580 to the City of Cottondale to replace and upgrade 500 linear feet of aging cast iron pipe and 2,000 linear feet of asbestos concrete pipe with PVC water line. This will improve system reliability, reduce health risks caused by the older pipes, and reduce water loss—helping to preserve the area’s water supply.

Graceville Water System Improvements (Jackson County)
The District will provide $426,729 to the City of Graceville to replace approximately 17,500 linear feet of aging 4-inch water line with 8-inch PVC line and associated components. The project also includes new meters and funding for track hoe and ground-penetrating radar for construction.  The project will reduce water loss and increase fire protection for area residents.

Grand Ridge Water Extension to I-10 Interchange (Jackson County)
The District will award an additional $25,744 to the Town of Grand Ridge to construct approximately 11,530 linear feet of water main. This project will extend the water system to the I-10 interchange, ensuring a reliable water supply and encouraging economic development.  Combined with funding awarded last year, the District is providing a total of $347,083 for the project.

Sneads Water Improvement Projects (Jackson County)
The District will provide $402,354 to the Town of Sneads to replace 4,500 linear feet of older, undersized water line with 10-inch line and associated components to reduce water loss and provide adequate fire flow.

Hayfield Spur Road Extension Loop (Jefferson County)
The District will provide $164,203 to Jefferson Communities Water System, Inc. to construct approximately 8,470 linear feet of 8-inch PVC water line and four fire hydrants to provide looping, as well as provide potential connections for future customers. This project will improve fire protection and system reliability.

Hosford Water System (Liberty County)
The District will provide $263,000 to Liberty County to initiate testing of the existing Hosford well, siting and development of a test well, aquifer performance testing and analysis, and identification and evaluation of a new production well site. This project will help Liberty County address persistent water quality, reliability, and fire protection needs.

Holt-Baker Interconnection Project (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $8,700 to Holt Water Works, Inc. to construct a 1,100 linear foot, 6-inch interconnection with Baker Water System, Inc. The completed project will enhance reliability to both communities by ensuring that an emergency backup water supply and sufficient fire protection are available in the event that emergency conditions impact either system.

Reclaimed Water System Improvements (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $482,000 to the City of Fort Walton Beach to construct a booster pump station, storage tank, and other system components to provide adequate storage and pressure to provide reclaimed water to an existing cemetery and planned athletic complex.  The project will offset and reduce current and future potable water and groundwater use for landscape irrigation, helping to protect the area’s water supply.
West Destin Water Supply Analysis (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $40,000 to Destin Water Users, Inc. to develop a system model to analyze water system improvements throughout the western and northern service area and evaluate potential alternatives to help increase the flow of inland groundwater to this area and raise water pressure.  This project addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Fairpoint Region Utility System Well and Transmission Line (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $123,947 to the Fairpoint Regional Utility System to construct a new potable water well, treatment facility, and approximately 13,800 linear feet of 12-inch water transmission line.  This project will help ensure a more reliable supply of water and address one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Holley-Navarre Reuse Line Replacement (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $295,000 to Holley-Navarre Water System, Inc. to replace 13,000 linear feet of water line with larger, 12-inch pipe, serving the Hidden Creek Golf Course and surrounding neighborhood. The resulting increase in capacity will ensure a more reliable supply for existing customers and allow the utility to implement a residential reuse program.  The water system has the capacity to reuse 3 million gallons of water per day.

Wakulla Regional Water system Improvements (Wakulla County)
The District will provide $350,000 to Talquin Water and Wastewater, Inc. to install new water treatment systems and storage improvements to effectively address elevated metals, hydrogen sulfide, and disinfection byproducts within the drinking water system. This project will help ensure a clean and reliable supply of drinking water.

U.S. Hwy 98 Water Line Extension Phase 4 (Walton County)
The District will provide $487,620 to the Florida Community Services Corporation (Regional Utilities) to complete Phase 4 of a major initiative to upgrade existing potable water transmission lines along the U.S. Highway 98 corridor. This project will help to ensure a more reliable supply of water by providing for transmission of inland groundwater within coastal Walton County and addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Wausau Booster Pump Installation (Washington County)
The District will provide $250,800 to the Town of Wausau to install booster pumps to improve potable water service and fire protection to areas with existing distribution system.  Water service will be provided to area residents as well as county Emergency Operation Center and Public Works facilities.  Completion of the project will improve system reliability and water quality and is expected to facilitate the elimination of a number of private wells.