NWFWMD Announces New Cycle of Water Supply Development Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or
Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Announces New Cycle of Water Supply Development Grants

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has launched the second cycle of a competitive grant program to help local governments and utilities across the Florida Panhandle address important local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs.

The District’s proposed Tentative Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2015 Budget includes $8 million to provide assistance for new water supply development projects.  This initiative builds on the success of the FY 2013-2014 grant program, which resulted in the award of nearly $10 million for 24 priority water supply projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and sustainable supply of water is important to the environment and economy of Northwest Florida,” said District Executive Director Jon Steverson.  “The District continues to work with local governments and utilities to identify and implement water supply projects that will benefit our natural resources and communities.”

Parties interested in applying are encouraged to attend an informational workshop on August 26, 2014, 2:00 pm CDT, at the Gibson Lecture Hall, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.

“We encourage local governments and public and nonprofit utilities across our 16-county area to learn more about the program and submit water supply projects—both large and small—that will help meet the needs of their communities and of the region,” said Paul Thorpe, the District’s Resource Planning Manager.

Grant applications are due by October 1, 2014. Eligible projects include traditional water supply development projects, water reuse and other alternative water supply development projects, and water conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.  Projects that demonstrate new or innovative techniques are encouraged.

District staff will evaluate grant applications based on criteria that include, but are not limited to, support of the District’s core missions and statutory water supply priorities, environmental benefits, readiness for implementation, financial need, and the ability to operate and maintain funded facilities.  District staff will present recommendations to the District’s Governing Board for final project selections in late 2014.

Workshop details, along with application materials and guidelines, are available on the District’s website athttps://nwfwp.sgssys.info/.  Interested applicants can contact the District at (850) 539-5999 or Paul.Thorpe@yopmail.com for more information or assistance.