District grant funds water quality project in Jefferson County

HAVANA – Ground has been broken on a project that will improve water quality and increase fire safety for residents in Lloyd, a small community located in Jefferson County.

The Hayfield Spur Extension Loop project is being funded with a Water Supply Development Grant of up to $164,203 from the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

“Smaller communities like Lloyd need this type of funding for projects like these,” State Representative Halsey Beshears said. “I appreciate the efforts of the water management district’s Governing Board to commit money to this project.”

Workers have begun the process of installing 8,470 linear feet of water main along Hayfield Spur Road. This new line will connect with water mains on Lloyd Creek Road and Gamble Road, improving the water quality for 400 customers of the Jefferson Communities Water System.

Workers will also install four fire hydrant assemblies to help improve fire protection.

“Our Water Supply Development Grant program has provided millions of dollars in recent years to help smaller communities throughout northwest Florida,” District Governing Board member Jon Costello said. “We are proud to work with local governments to fund projects like these that make such a positive impact in our communities.”

The Hayfield Spur Extension Loop project is expected to be completed this fall.

The District’s Water Supply Development Grant program was launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.5 million. These projects have helped local governments and utilities make potable water distribution system improvements, replace aging infrastructure, evaluate and develop alternative water supply projects, and address local drinking water quality issues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, please visit https://nwfwp.sgssys.info//Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.