Florida Springs Restoration Projects Identified To Receive More Than $56M In Funding

Secretary Jon Steverson announced that under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Water Management Districts have identified 35 springs projects to receive more than $56.6M included in the 2016-17 “FLORIDA FIRST” budget, the highest amount ever provided for Florida’s springs. Along with $33.1M in matching funds at the state and local levels, the total investment in springs projects will be $89.7M for this new fiscal year. Governor Scott has provided historic funding during the past four years, which when leveraged with local funding, totals more than $275M that directly benefits springs water quality and quantity.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s beautiful springs are one of our state’s greatest natural treasures and help attract families, visitors and job creators. Since 2013, the state has provided more than $135M for springs restoration, the highest amount of funding in Florida’s history. The funding for these potential projects shows our continued commitment to protecting our springs, and I look forward to seeing them implemented so Florida’s natural treasures can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

FDEP Secretary Jon Steverson said, “I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their ongoing support of springs restoration. The springs projects that will be implemented because of this funding will make a difference in improving environmental conditions and enhancing local communities.”

The 35 statewide projects include:

• Volusia Blue Advance Wastewater Treatment (VOLUSIA BLUE): The project will upgrade and expand the advanced wastewater treatment system from the existing 1.7 million gallons per day (MGD ) to 2.7 MGD, increasing capacity to allow for future septic removal and further reducing nutrient loading into Volusia Blue Spring by approximately 41,000 pounds per year. In addition, the project will reduce groundwater withdrawals, helping to preserve the ecosystem and protect the spring.
• Hernando County's Package Plant Connection Project (WEEKI WACHEE SPRING GROUP): The project will connect several private wastewater package plants within the Weeki Wachee, Homosassa and Aripeka springsheds to Hernando County's central wastewater collection system, reducing nutrients by approximately 1,369 pounds per year. The project will also result in additional reclaimed water for beneficial reuse.
• Septic Connection (WAKULLA SPRINGS): The project will connect up to 130 homes currently on septic tanks to the existing central sewer system within the city of Tallahassee and the priority area for Wakulla Springs. The anticipated nutrient load reduction is 2,526 pounds per year.
• Fanning Springs Wastewater Collection System Extension Phase IV (FANNING SPRINGS): The project will expand the city of Fanning Springs' sewer system, eliminating and preventing 198 septic tanks, reducing nutrient loading to Fanning Springs. This is phase three of the Fanning Springs Sewer Expansion Project, which is anticipated to reduce approximately 4,554 pounds per year of nutrients from Fanning Springs.

Click here (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2016/files/FY16-17Springs_Funding_Projects.pdf) to see a complete list of projects. The projects are part of the upcoming budget public hearings to be held by each of the respective water management districts.

About The Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us.