NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Eastern Region)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999  or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Eastern Region)

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $10 million in grant funding to be used for 24 water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people and natural systems of this region is one of the District’s top priorities,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The Governing Board is pleased to play a part in helping local communities address their water supply challenges and needs.”

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $10 million to provide assistance to local governments and utilities for water supply development projects.

“I appreciate the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s commitment to protecting the people and natural resources of the panhandle,” said State Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee). “Through this funding, the District is providing vital support to help local communities address important needs.”

Last fall, the District launched a grant program to help local governments and utilities within the District’s 16-county area apply for funding for water supply projects. Projects eligible for grant funding included traditional water supply development projects, as well as alternative water supply projects, such as reuse and conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.

After careful review and evaluation of the many worthwhile projects submitted, the District identified 24 projects it was able to fund in this grant cycle.

“Through this grant program, the Northwest Florida Water Management District is working to address important and much needed water supply, water quality and public safety needs in Northwest Florida and House District 7,” said State Representative Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello). “This funding will go a long way in providing permanence for long-term needs in our rural counties. We appreciate the District’s favorable consideration of these projects.”

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs or upgrades to aging and deteriorating water distribution and treatment systems currently experiencing water loss, a lack of reliability or inadequate fire protection. The majority of the projects awarded serve financially disadvantaged communities which struggle to fund vital projects without infrastructure assistance.

“Many of these projects are important to our local communities not only in terms of improving water supply, but also to helping protect public health and safety,” said District Governing Board Member Bo Spring.

Combined with match funding from the local governments and other grants, the District’s funding is anticipated to leverage a total of $15.8 million in projects to meet regional water supply challenges.

“In addition to helping communities address pertinent water supply needs, many of these projects will benefit them economically,” said Jon Costello, Governing Board member representing the Ochlockonee-St. Marks-Wakulla River Basin Area. “Expansions and improvements to existing water systems make communities more attractive to businesses, whether it’s an established business looking to grow or one thinking of moving to the region from another state.”

Projects receiving District funding in the eastern region of the District include:

Monticello Water Extension (Jefferson County)

The District will provide $837,000 to the City of Monticello to extend a water main approximately two miles north of the city, providing users of private systems access to a reliable public water supply.

Town of Havana Water System Improvements (Gadsden County)

The District will provide $500,000 to the Town of Havana to construct a new well, 120,000 gallon storage tank, and treatment and water line improvements. This funding will be used to provide a new source of water, resolving persistent potable water quality problems.

Gretna Water System Upgrades (Gadsden County)

The District will provide $150,000 in funding to the City of Gretna to complete design and surveying for two wells, as well as transmission and treatment improvements. The funding will be used for planning and engineering to address existing deficiencies in storage, capacity, and fire flow.

Panacea Area Water System Sopchoppy Water System Interconnect (Wakulla County)

The District will provide $348,947 to Panacea Area Water System, Inc. to install approximately 13,750 linear feet of interconnection with the Sopchoppy water system. This interconnection will provide supplemental water and address persistent water quality problems.

Chipola River Pump #2 Rehabilitation (Gulf County)

The District will provide $195,000 to the City of Port St. Joe 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.

City of Bristol Water Storage Capacity Project (Liberty County)

The District will provide $537,500 to the City of Bristol to construct a 200,000 gallon ground storage tank and two high service pumps, addressing critical storage needs and providing the necessary flow for adequate fire protection.

Pine Island Water System (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $409,844 in grant funding to the Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners to construct approximately 15,000 linear feet of water main and three fire hydrants, which will connect and serve the Pine Island community. This project will replace an inadequate and abandoned private system, and help ensure the community a reliable supply of water.

State Road 20 Waterline Replacement (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $235,845 in grant funding to the City of Blountstown to construct approximately 6,135 linear feet of water line and install 13 fire hydrants. This funding will augment a grant awarded to the City in January 2012 to replace an aging facility and improve service to ensure a clean and reliable supply of water to residents.

Altha Water System Phase 3 (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $540,000 to the Town of Altha to install approximately 9,550 linear feet of water main and 25 fire hydrants, improving capacity, reliability, and fire protection for residents.

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