The District is developing updates to its Surface Water Improvement and Management plans to support cooperative efforts to protect and restore surface water resources. Please click here to see updated schedules for technical meetings and workshops in the following areas: Perdido River and Bay; Pensacola Bay; St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay; Choctawhatchee River and Bay; St. Andrew and St. Joe bays; and Ochlockonee River and Bay.
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District grant allows city of Cottondale to upgrade water system
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HAVANA – Nearly $300,000 in grant funding from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped the city of Cottondale to replace and upgrade three waterlines that are part of the city’s central water system.
The funding, part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, allowed the city to make significant upgrades on Front Street, Railroad Avenue, and Dogwood Avenue. Total cost of the three projects, which were completed ahead of schedule, is $284,500.
Cottondale is located in Jackson County, just north of Interstate 10 on U.S. Highway 231.
“The District is proud to partner with local governments to help fund projects like these that make such a positive impact in smaller communities,” District Governing Board member John Alter said. “Our Water Supply Development Grant program is a wonderful tool for communities throughout northwest Florida to upgrade aging water systems as well as address water quality issues.”
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.
“The District continues to commit as many resources as possible toward helping our communities, especially the smaller ones,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We take great pride in working with local governments to see projects like these come to fruition.”
The District’s funding allowed the city of Cottondale to replace a pre-1960s cast-iron water main along Railroad Avenue. The city also replaced an outdated water line along Dogwood Avenue and replaced and upgraded approximately 2,500 feet of waterline along Front Street. The new water lines will reduce water losses within the city’s system.
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 updates Strategic Water Management Plan
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HAVANA – The Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District on Thursday approved the annual update to the District’s Strategic Water Management Plan.
The plan maintains the District’s priorities identified last year and is consistent with the District’s Fiscal Year 2016-2017 adopted budget. The priorities are:
- Springs Protection and Restoration: Protect and restore water quality and flows within the major spring systems of northwest Florida.
- Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin: Protect Apalachicola River and Bay water quality and freshwater inflow.
- Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels (MFLs): Develop and implement science-based MFLs that protect water resources and associated natural systems.
- Water Supply: Ensure sufficient water is available for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and natural systems.
- Watershed Protection and Restoration: Protect and restore watershed resources and functions.
- Flood Protection and Floodplain Management: Maintain natural floodplain functions and minimize harm from flooding.
For each of these priorities, the Strategic Water Management Plan outlines accomplishments, funding sources, deliverables, and milestones on a five-year horizon.
In addition to the strategic plan itself, the public is encouraged to participate in the development of other functional components of the plan which include regional water supply plans, the Florida Forever Land Acquisition Work Plan, surface water improvement and management plans, and District rules.
The District’s updated Strategic Water Management Plan can be viewed here.
CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER WATER LEVEL UPDATE
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Water levels along the Choctawhatchee River are elevated. The floodwaters may overrun onto access roads as well as recreation areas, including Lost Lake Campsite and Dead River Landing. Visitors should keep a close eye on water levels and exercise caution. Driving through floodwaters can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.
RECREATION AREA CLOSURES
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Pitt, Williford and Econfina Creek Canoe Launch will be closed today, December 7th due to high water. Walsingham Bridge Road at the bridge is also closed with no access to Walsingham Park, Longleaf, Seashell, and Devil’s Hole. The District anticipates reopening these areas tomorrow, December 8th.
District awards nearly $1 million for water supply projects
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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved more than $974,000 in grant funding for water supply development projects across northwest Florida.
This funding was awarded as part of a competitive grant program to help local governments and non-profit utilities address local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs.
Since 2013, the District has awarded approximately $20.6 million in grant funding to boost the infrastructure, economic, and public health needs of northwest Florida communities by addressing regional water resource and supply development priorities.
“We are grateful to be able to put taxpayer dollars back to work in this region,” Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “And this program allows us to play an active part in contributing to the health and well-being of our communities.”
Projects eligible for grant funding include traditional water supply development projects, alternative water supply projects, such as reuse projects, and conservation projects that result in quantifiable groundwater savings.
It is expected that District funds will help communities leverage state and local funding resources, as well as federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Community Development Block Grant program.
The District will continue to work with grant recipients to finalize project details and execute funding agreements in the coming weeks and months.
“An important part of the District’s mission is to ensure a safe and reliable supply of water for the people of this region, especially in those communities that face significant challenges in finding funding for these types of projects,” said Brett Cyphers, the District’s Executive Director. “I applaud the Board’s commitment to that mission and to the people of northwest Florida.”
The full list of projects that were awarded $974,355 in funding include (by county):
City of Lynn Haven (Bay County) The District will provide $49,825 to the City of Lynn Haven for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging cast iron pipes and associated infrastructures.
City of Blountstown (Calhoun County)The District will provide $82,142 to the City of Blountstown for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Escambia County) The District will provide $159,559 to Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water line and interconnect Walnut Hill Water Works with Bratt-Davisville Water System.
City of Gretna (Gadsden County) The District will provide $92,850 to the City of Gretna for reuse/alternative water supply, which includes construction of a reclaimed water pumping station to offset portable water needs at the wastewater treatment facility.
City of Port St. Joe (Gulf County) The District will provide $80,000 to the City of Port St. Joe for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures.
Town of Noma (Holmes County) The District will provide $46,960 to the Town of Noma for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures.
City of Marianna (Jackson County) The District will provide $50,000 to the City of Marianna for a feasibility study/engineering, which includes completing a leak detection survey and creating a GIS database of drinking water infrastructure to reduce system water loss.
City of Laurel Hill (Okaloosa County) The District will provide $134,863 to the City of Laurel Hill for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures. including looping the system for increased reliability.
Berrydale Water System (Santa Rosa County) The District will provide $35,000 to Berrydale Water System for a feasibility study/engineering, which includes completing an analysis and evaluation of drinking water system improvements, including existing facilities, alternatives, costs, and recommendations.
City of DeFuniak Springs (Walton County) The District will provide $53,155 to the City of DeFuniak Springs for distribution system/pipe improvements, which includes replacing aging water lines with upgraded water main and associated infrastructures, including looping the system for increased reliability.
City of Freeport (Walton County) The District will provide $50,000 to the City of Freeport for a feasibility study/engineering, which includes completing engineering, hydraulic modeling, and surveying of major water system improvements needed along US 331.
City of Caryville (Washington County) The District will provide $140,000 to the City of Caryville for distribution/pipe improvements, which includes replacing water storage facility, associated water line replacement, and associated infrastructures.
District seeks input on proposed 2016-2017 Strategic Water Management Plan
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The proposed Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Strategic Water Management Plan will be presented for approval at the District’s Governing Board meeting on December 8, 2016. Public comment on the FY 2016-2017 plan will be accepted through December 7, 2016 and/or at the Governing Board meeting. General comments or questions relating to the annual plan updates are accepted at any time.
If there are any questions on this plan, or to provide input for consideration, please contact Christina Coger at Christina.Coger@yopmail.com or (850) 539-5999.
For a copy of the proposed 2016-2017 Strategic Water Management Plan, click here.
District, City of Bristol celebrate completion of $820,000 water project
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BRISTOL – Officials from the city of Bristol and the Northwest Florida Water Management District celebrated the completion of a project that will improve the supply of water for city residents.
Two grants totaling $820,748 from the District paid for the construction of a tank that will store up to 200,000 gallons of water as well as high service pumps for the tank. The new water plant will connect to an existing distribution line.
“This is a great example of local government working with the District on a project that will benefit citizens for years to come,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the District’s Governing Board. “We are proud to work with the city of Bristol to make these much-needed improvements to the city’s water system.”
In addition to providing potable water storage for residents, the new water tank will also improve public safety by providing firefighters a more reliable source of available water.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have a direct impact on one of our communities, especially a smaller one,” said Caitlin Brongel, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “It’s always a pleasure to take part in projects like this.”
Initial funding for the project was awarded by the District’s Governing Board in Fiscal Year 2013-14. Additional funding was provided in FY 2015-16.
Appeal Process Opens in Walton County for Preliminary Flood Maps
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DEFUNIAK SPRINGS – The 90-day appeal and comment period begins November 17, 2016 and concludes on February 15, 2017 for Walton County property owners and business owners wishing to challenge the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study reports issued earlier this year by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Preliminary copies of the revised Florida Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) were provided to Walton County on March 16, 2016. Public open houses were held for residents on June 7, 2016 in Santa Rosa Beach and June 8, 2016 in DeFuniak Springs to review the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property.
Digital copies of the revised FIRM and FIS report materials are available at http://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com.
These reports include proposed flood hazard information for certain locations in the unincorporated areas of Walton County as well as the addition or modification of Special Flood Hazard Areas, the areas that would be inundated by the base (1-percent-annual-chance) flood; base flood elevations or depths; zone designations; or regulatory floodways.
Appeals are formal objections to proposed base flood elevations or flood depths. They can also be made to Special Flood Hazard Areas boundaries and zones or floodways. Appeals must be based on technical data showing proposed maps to be scientifically incorrect. Anyone making an appeal must include the method, data, and analysis used to support the claim.
Comments are objections to a base map feature change such as labels, incorrect roads, or jurisdictional boundaries. The public can send comments and appeals to Walton County Floodplain Manager, Aaron Craker, at craaaron@co.walton.fl.us, or contact via phone at 850-267-1955. All information that is received will then be forwarded to FEMA for final resolution.
Governor and Cabinet Approve 11,000 Acre Acquisition Crucial for Springs Protection
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HAVANA – Today, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet members agreed to purchase the 11,027-acre Horn Spring property, located within Leon and Jefferson counties. The property is a major wildlife corridor, connecting St. Marks River Preserve State Park, Fanlew Preserve, Aucilla Wildlife Management Area and Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. The project will protect water resources, with 10 known springs on the property, protect 12 known historic sites, and provide a variety of public recreational and educational opportunities.
“Acquiring the Horn Spring property is a prime example of efforts to focus taxpayer resources on projects that provide a direct benefit to the environment and local communities,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “This is the largest Florida Forever acquisition since 2006, and it will provide numerous benefits to our springs while offering recreation for Floridians and visitors.”
The property is located within the Upper St. Marks River Corridor Florida Forever Project, ranked number 9 in the Florida Forever Critical Natural Lands project category, and the St. Joe Timberland – St. Marks Springs site Florida Forever project, ranked number 3 in the Florida Forever Climate Change Lands project category. The ranking was approved by the Board of Trustees on April 26, 2016. The property will be purchased from Natural Bridge Timberlands, LLC, a subsidiary of AgReserves, Inc.
“As farmers and ranchers, we look to the long term in everything we do,” said Don Sleight, CEO, AgReserves, Inc. “That this land will be preserved in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy is especially gratifying for us. We are glad to see the ecological treasures on this property come under the ownership and care of Florida Forever.”
The southern portion of Horn Spring will be added to the existing Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park and will be managed by the Florida Park Service. The northern portion of Horn Spring will be managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“The District appreciates the efforts by Governor Scott and DEP to further protect and preserve special places like this in northwest Florida,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We look forward to working with DEP and FWC for the long-term preservation of this vital natural resource.”
“This acquisition presents an unparalleled opportunity to assist in the protection of the tremendous natural resources of the St. Marks River ecosystem,” said Greg Knecht, Director of Land Protection for the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “I applaud the state for their work to protect wildlife habitat and preserve water quality in this vital area of northwest Florida.”
“Natural Bridge is among Florida’s most valuable conservation lands. We commend the state’s efforts to protect the river and springs for the benefit of people and wildlife,” said Eric Draper, Executive Director of Audubon Florida.
“The board and staff of Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy support this project,” said George Willson, Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy board member. “It is a remarkable water resource and river habitat conservation action by DEP and the private landowner which preserves a regionally significant hydrologic corridor from the Red Hills of Tallahassee to tidewater.”