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District releases draft SWIM plans for Perdido, Choctawhatchee, Pensacola

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has released its draft Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) plans for the Perdido River and Bay, Choctawhatchee River and Bay, and Pensacola Bay watersheds. These draft plans were prepared in accordance with section 373.453, F.S., and with funding assistance from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The draft plans for Perdido River and Bay, Choctawhatchee River and Bay, and Pensacola Bay watersheds as well as updates on other SWIM plans can be found at https://nwfwater.com/Water-Resources/Surface-Water-Improvement-and-Management/SWIM-Plan-Updates

SWIM plans are prepared to support protection and restoration of surface water quality and associated natural resources and public benefits. The plans support development and implementation of projects that address water resource issues from a watershed perspective.

It is requested that any comments be sent to SWIM@yopmail.com. The deadline for receipt of comments on these three draft SWIM plans is September 25, 2017.

If you have any difficulty accessing the plan, or if you have any questions, please contact Karen Kebart at Karen.Kebart@yopmail.com or (850) 539-5999.

Gov. Scott announces $14 million for springs projects in northwest Florida

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TALLAHASSEE — Under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced a suite of 40 projects that will receive $50 million from the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget to improve water quality, reduce nutrient loading, recharge water supply and protect habitat in Florida’s iconic spring systems. This includes a state investment of more than $14 million to protect springs in Northwest Florida, including Wakulla, Jackson Blue, Econfina Blue and Horn springsheds. Combined with match funding from Florida’s water management districts and local partners, the investment in springs projects statewide will total more than $94 million during the 2017-18 fiscal year.

“Thanks to the continued commitment of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature in securing a dedicated funding source for springs restoration and protection, we can continue to focus on completing strategic acquisitions and projects that will produce real benefits for our spring systems,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Legislature, the water management districts and partners in the environmental, agricultural and local communities to conserve and protect Florida’s iconic springs.”

“We are grateful for the continued vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott, Secretary Valenstein and the Florida Legislature,” said George Roberts, chairman of the Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Funding for these projects will allow the district to sustain and expand efforts to protect our unique and priceless springs, while also keeping with our mission to ensure the health and well-being of the residents and water resources of Northwest Florida.”

The project development process is a collaborative effort among the department, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders. Projects are selected based on pollutant reduction, water conservation, cost effectiveness and available matching dollars.

The following highlighted projects are three of the 11 selected projects for the Northwest Florida Region, benefiting Wakulla, Jackson Blue and Econfina Blue springs.

Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Septic Abatement: A total of $10 million in collaborative funding will be used for three projects to extend and increase central sewer service around the Wakulla springshed. The Northeast Lake Munson sewer system project will extend central sewer service to approximately 260 residences in South Leon County adjacent to Lake Munson currently on septic tanks, reducing the total nutrient load by 3,606 pounds per year. The Belair/Annawood sewer system project will extend central sewer service to approximately 113 residences in South Leon County currently on septic tanks, reducing the total nutrient load by 1,567 pounds per year.

Wakulla Springs Land Acquisition Project: A total of $2.4 million in collaborative funding will be used for an acquisition of lands surrounding Wakulla Springs. This acquisition will assist in the protection of karst features and future septic tank expansion to Wakulla Springs.

Jackson Blue Spring

Jackson Blue Spring Agricultural Best Management Practice Producer Cost Share Grant Program: A total of $2 million in collaborative funding will be used to continue an agricultural cost-share program to the Jackson Blue Spring basin, and assist approximately 32 producers with retrofits and precision agricultural equipment to improve water quality and quantity to protect springs in the Dougherty Karst region.

Econfina Blue Spring

Econfina Land Acquisition Project: A total of $1 million in collaborative funding will be used for an acquisition of lands surrounding the first magnitude springs along Econfina Creek, beneftting the Econfina Recharge area.

A complete list of the springs protection projects funded by the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget can be found here. These projects will be considered by the water management district Governing Boards as part of their upcoming budget hearings. More information is also available on springs projects funded during the FY 16-17 year and FY 15-16 year.

District accepting applications for agricultural cost-share program

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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District is accepting applications for cost-share funding to help agricultural producers improve water quality and reduce water use demands in and around the Jackson Blue Spring groundwater contribution area.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget includes $1 million in new funding for the Jackson Blue Spring Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program. This initiative builds on the success of the 2013-2016 program, which awarded more than $3.1 million to 39 producers in Jackson County.

The grant program provides cost-share funding for irrigation system improvements and equipment and tools to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use and improve water use efficiency – protecting both water quantity and quality. Under the BMP program, the District will reimburse 75 percent of the cost of qualifying BMPs (up to a maximum of $56,250 for each producer), with the producers funding the remaining 25 percent.

Projects that have been funded through the program include subsurface drip irrigation, variable rate fertilizer applicators, fertigation equipment, irrigation system retrofits, and remote control and zone management tools for irrigation systems.

The District is currently accepting applications from agricultural producers within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritts Mill Pond contribution area. Applications for the first award cycle are due August 31, 2017.

Applications will continue to be accepted after that date for subsequent award cycles as long as there are uncommitted funds. Producers who have not previously received funding from the District will be given priority.

To be eligible, producers must be:

  • Operating within or adjacent to the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritt’s Mill Pond Basin Management Action Plan Area;
  • Enrolled in the appropriate Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practice program; and
  • In regulatory compliance with the District.

A full list of funded measures and an application form can be found on the District website at nwfwater.com. Producers can contact Angela Chelette (850-539-2650) with any questions about the funding program.

Producers who are interested in obtaining funding can expedite their application by enrolling or updating their enrollment in the FDACS BMP program as soon as possible by contacting Tom Batey, FDACS Field Representative at (850-693-5430) or visiting the FDACS website at www.freshfromflorida.com.

 

The District recommends that producers who want to upgrade irrigation equipment contact Mark Miles of the Northwest Florida Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) at (850-482-0388) to schedule an irrigation system evaluation. Having these two items complete will allow an application to move forward more quickly.

District grant funds water quality project in Jefferson County

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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.

District grant pays for water system upgrades in Greensboro

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HAVANA – A grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District paid for a project that will improve water quality and increase fire safety for the town of Greensboro, located in Gadsden County.

The District’s Water Supply Development Grant program provided $222,044 to pay for the project, which replaced and upgraded more than 4,400 linear feet of outdated water line. The improved water quality and water flow will also provide additional fire safety for the town’s residents.

“Support for projects like this one is so important for smaller communities like Greensboro,” State Senator Bill Montford said. “I appreciate the efforts by the water management district and its Governing Board to help improve the water quality in Greensboro and all of North Florida.”

Construction for the project began earlier this spring and was completed last month.

“Our Water Supply Development Grant program is a wonderful tool for smaller communities throughout northwest Florida to improve their water systems,“ District Governing Board member Marc Dunbar said. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with local governments to make a positive impact on these communities while also protecting our area’s precious natural resources.”

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.

District grant allows town of Jay to upgrade water system

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HAVANA – More than $160,000 in grant funding from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped the town of Jay upgrade its water system with more than 4,500 linear feet of waterline.

The funding, part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, allowed the town to eliminate a number of dead-end water lines and create a looped system that will improve water quality, water system capacity, and water pressure.

The new looped system will also reduce water loss for the town, located in Santa Rosa County.

“Our Water Supply Development Grant program has made positive impacts in so many smaller communities in northwest Florida,” said District Governing Board member Gus Andrews. “The District is proud to work with the community leaders in Jay to not only improve water quality for the residents but to also protect our area’s natural resources.”

The new waterline was installed along Booker Lane, Spring Street, School Street, and Max Lane. Total cost of the project is $ 162,955.88.

“I am extremely excited to see the Town of Jay be named a grant recipient again this year,” said Representative Jayer Williamson, whose district includes part of Santa Rosa County. “A quality water supply is essential for a higher quality of life and I am thankful for the water management district’s commitment to rural communities across northwest Florida.”

This marks the second project the town of Jay has completed with funding from the Water Supply Development Grant program.

In February 2016, the District provided $687,024 to upgrade more than 10,000 linear feet of water mains throughout the town’s water system. The upgraded water mains improved water quality and water pressure within the system while also reducing water loss.

“The Water Supply Development Grant program came in extremely handy for the town of Jay to help us replace all those lines and increase our water volume,” Jay mayor Kurvin Qualls said. “It was very important to us and we are appreciative.”

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.

Everett, Pate reappointed to District’s Governing Board

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Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of Jerry Pate and Ted Everett to the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Pate, 63, of Pensacola, is the owner and chief executive officer of Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. Pate is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.

Everett, 57, of Chipley, is the executive director for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. He received his bachelor’s degree from Augusta State University. Everett is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District releases draft SWIM plans for Ochlockonee, St. Marks watersheds

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has released its draft Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) plans for the Ochlockonee River and Bay watershed and the St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay watershed. These draft plans were prepared in accordance with section 373.453, F.S., and with funding assistance from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The draft plans for Ochlockonee River and Bay and St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay as well as updates on other SWIM plans can be found at https://nwfwp.sgssys.info/Water-Resources/Surface-Water-Improvement-and-Management/SWIM-Plan-Updates

SWIM plans are prepared to support protection and restoration of surface water quality and associated natural resources and public benefits. The plans support development and implementation of projects that address water resource issues from a watershed perspective.

It is requested that any comments be sent to SWIM@yopmail.com. The deadline for receipt of comments is August 21, 2017.

If you have any difficulty accessing the plan, or if you have any questions, please contact Karen Kebart at Karen.Kebart@yopmail.com or (850) 539-5999.

Update: District re-opens recreation sites on Econfina Creek

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Though the water is still high along parts of Econfina Creek, the Northwest Florida Water Management District re-opened its recreation facilities at Williford Spring and Pitt/Sylvan Spring on Friday (June 23). The sites were closed for one day because of to allow the creek to recede after recent heavy rains.

High-water conditions along the Perdido and Escambia rivers will likely affect a number of District recreation sites in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, especially Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs, and Williams Lake. Access roads to other sites may be difficult or impossible to traverse. Please use extreme caution when traveling near areas that may be impacted by floodwaters.

After heavy rains recently fell across much of northwest Florida, readers can access real-time updates on water levels at monitoring stations within the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Any other closures on District lands will be announced on the District’s web site.

Here are other helpful links to help track storm conditions:

Southeast River Forecast Center: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/serfc/

National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Florida Department of Emergency Management: http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp

National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/

Gov. Scott reappoints Costello, Spring to Governing Board

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TALLAHASSEE — Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Bo Spring and Jon Costello to the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board on Thursday. The reappointments follow the Florida Senate’s failure to consider them for confirmation by adjournment of the 2017 regular legislative session.

Spring, 41, of Port St. Joe, is the managing member of Big Fish Construction LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020. He was first appointed to the Governing Board Nov. 7, 2012.

Costello, 36, of Tallahassee, is a governmental consultant with Rutledge Ecenia P.A. and an adjunct professor at Florida State University. Costello is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020. He was first appointed to the Governing Board Sept. 17, 2012.

The reappointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.