NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Central 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 (Central 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.

“The projects funded under this grant program represent an important step forward in ensuring a clean and long-term supply of water for the residents, businesses and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “I look forward to continuing to work with the District and local governments in the area to ensure the health of the area’s environment and economy.”

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.

“Thanks to this funding, numerous communities in Northwest Florida will now be able to address critical water supply needs,” said State Representative Marti Coley (R-Marianna). “These projects will also allow the region to be better prepared for economic development that will ultimately provide jobs for our citizens. I applaud the District for their commitment to protecting the people and water resources of the region.”

“The projects funded under this grant program will not only help communities of House District 4 meet
long-term water supply needs, but will also provide infrastructure vital to helping our economy grow,” said State Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach).

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.

“Through this grant program, the District is funding important projects that will help communities meet their water supply needs, along with improving water quality and protecting public health and safety,” said Governing Board Member Gary Clark.

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.

“Many of the projects funded by the District’s grant program will provide economic benefits to the communities of Northwest Florida,” said John Alter, Governing Board member representing the Apalachicola-Chipola-Lower Chattahoochee River Basin.  “Having an accessible, reliable and safe supply of water will help provide the foundation needed to attract new or expanding businesses to the region.”

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

Chipola River Protection and Stormwater Reuse Project (Jackson County)

A grant of $671,340 will be provided to the City of Marianna to expand an existing stormwater pond and develop a stormwater reuse irrigation system. This project will improve water quality by providing additional stormwater treatment and reduce water use by the application of innovative reuse technology.

Water Extension to I-10 Interchange (Jackson County)

The District will provide $321,339 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.

Greenwood/ Marianna Interconnecting Water Mains (Jackson County)

A grant of $230,308 to the Town of Greenwood will be used to install approximately 5,300 linear feet of interconnection and replace approximately 4,000 linear feet of current distribution main, connecting the Town of Greenwood to the City of Marianna’s water supply and helping to resolve a persistent problem with potable water quality.

Highway 77/I-10 Infrastructure Improvements (Washington County)

A grant of $440,000 to the City of Chipley will be used to construct a new 16-inch well and associated distribution system improvements. These improvements will improve capacity and alleviate risks to the quality of the water utilized by the potable system.

City of Bonifay Waterline Replacement (Holmes County)

The District will provide $268,900 to the City of Bonifay to replace approximately 4,590 linear feet of asbestos cement and lead joint water main. This will reduce water loss and help protect the public and environment..

Esto Water Main Replacement (Holmes County)

The District will provide $149,690 to the Town of Esto to replace approximately 4,850 linear feet of water line.  Replacing the aging water pipes will significantly reduce water loss.

Noma Water Line Replacement Project (Holmes County)

The District will provide $415,292 to the Town of Noma to replace a 28,100 linear feet distribution system and 25 fire hydrants, as well as provide additional valve and meter installation to address deficiencies in the system.

DeFuniak Springs Water Main Replacement (Walton County)

The District will provide $473,750 to the City of DeFuniak Springs to replace approximately 10,714 linear feet of asbestos cement water main and install 30 fire hydrants. By replacing the deteriorating water lines, this project will improve public health and safety, as well as reduce water loss.

Highway 285 Reclaimed Water Main Upgrade (Okaloosa County)

A grant of $144,000 to the City of Niceville will be used to replace 3,100 linear feet of 6 and 8-inch reuse lines with 12-inch lines to increase capacity, providing residential, commercial and institutional reuse.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Mid-County Tank in Okaloosa County (Okaloosa County)

The District will provide a $1,250,000 grant to the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer System to construct a 1 million gallon elevated water tank and associated facilities. This project will enhance service in the mid-county area and add inland storage for system interconnected with coastal service areas.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

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