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NWFWMD Closes Williford Spring for Restoration Project

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999, Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Closes Williford Spring for Restoration Project

YOUNGSTOWN – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed Williford Spring in southern Washington County to begin preparing for construction on a $1.5 million protection and restoration project at the spring. The project will improve shoreline restoration and protection, as well as provide recreational enhancements that will improve public access in a way that protects the health of the spring and surrounding habitats.

The area will be closed to the public effective immediately, and will remain closed while the restoration activities are conducted. The District anticipates re-opening the area in the summer of 2016. The District’s recreation sites at nearby Pitt and Sylvan springs will remain open, and the District encourages the public’s continued use of these facilities.

Recreational improvements will include spring entry steps, patio terrace, spring view deck, canoe dock, boardwalks, composting toilets, picnic pavilions, parking area, a connector trail to Pitt and Sylvan springs, as well as interpretative trails and native landscaping throughout the site.

The restoration project will expand on the District’s continued protection of various springs along Econfina Creek, including the recently completed project to restore and enhance Pitt and Sylvan springs.

The restoration of Williford Springs is part of the District’s commitment to working with state and local agencies to ensure the long-term protection of springs and springs-related sites across Northwest Florida. The District’s 2013-2014 Fiscal Year budget includes $3.3 million for springs restoration and protection.

NWFWMD Closes Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford Springs Recreation Areas Due to Flooding

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Closes Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford Springs Recreation Areas Due to Flooding

HAVANA – Due to significant flooding on Econfina Creek, the Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed the Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford springs recreation areas to ensure public safety.  The closures will take effect immediately and the areas will remain closed until flood waters subside.

For updates, please visit www.facebook.com/NWFWater and www.twitter.com/NWFWMD.

Proclamation Designates April as Water Conservation Month

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com

Proclamation Designates April as Water Conservation Month

HAVANA – The Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District today approved a proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month at its monthly board meeting.

“Water conservation remains a high priority for the District,” District Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “We encourage all residents, visitors and businesses to take an active role in conserving water, not just during the month of April, but throughout the year.”

For tips on ways to conserve water, visit the District’s conservation website.

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $5.5 million for Water Supply Project in Bay County

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 13, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $5.5 million for Water Supply Project in Bay County

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted today to provide nearly $5.5 million in grant funding to Bay County for the development of an alternative pump station for Deer Point Lake Reservoir, which serves as the county’s primary water supply source.

“As Deer Point Lake Reservoir is vulnerable to impacts from major coastal storm surge events, this project is vital to ensuring a clean, safe and reliable supply of water for the region,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The District is pleased to partner with Bay County to implement this project and achieve one of our long-standing water supply planning priorities.”

The funding will be used to develop an upstream intake near the mouth of Econfina Creek. The project includes the construction of a surface water intake, pump station and pipeline—which will have the capacity to deliver approximately 30 million gallons per day (mgd) of raw water to the Bay County Water Treatment Plant.

“The new pumping station will be located in the northernmost portion of Deer Point Lake Reservoir,” said Paul Lackemacher, Utility Services Director at Bay County Utilities Services. “This new pumping station, surface water intake, and pipeline will ensure our residents that the County will have an available back-up water supply in the event of extreme conditions.”

Bay County provides water for local governments and utilities across the county. The development of this alternative water supply source will improve Bay County’s water supply and provide water for the public while also sustaining water resources and associated natural systems.

“This project is vital to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the residents, visitors, and businesses of Bay County,” said Chairman Guy Tunnell of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. “We thank the Northwest Florida Water Management District for their support and look forward to continuing to work with them to manage and protect Bay County’s water and natural resources.”

Deer Point Lake Reservoir is included as a priority in the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Region III Regional Water Supply Plan. The District continues to work with local governments and utilities across the Florida panhandle to provide communities and natural resources with a sustainable supply of water. In addition to this funding, the District recently announced nearly $10 million in grant funding for 24 water supply projects across Northwest Florida.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Three to Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced three reappointments to the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

John Alter, 78, of Malone, is a manager with Alter-Bevis Farms LLC. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Forestry Association Board of Directors and previously served as a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Alter received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 13, 2015, and ending March 1, 2019.

Angus “Gus” Andrews, 59, of DeFuniak Springs, is the owner of Andrews Companies, Andrews & Arnsdoff Realty and Southern Beach Management. Andrews received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 13, 2015, and ending March 1, 2019.

Nicholas “Nick” Patronis, 48, of Panama City Beach, is the owner of Captain Anderson’s. He currently serves as a member of the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida Inc Board of Directors, the Florida Restaurant Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Patronis attended Gulf Coast Community College. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 13, 2015, and ending March 1, 2019.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

NWFWMD hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom for Wounded Veterans

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 10, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom for Wounded Veterans

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently played host to Operation Outdoor Freedom, a weekend deer-hunting experience for wounded veterans of the United States military.

The hunt included six veterans representing the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and Marines and took place during the weekend of Feb. 6-8 in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area in Bay and Washington counties. It was hosted with support from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, Friends of Florida State Forests and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Operation Outdoor Freedom Hunt is one of the most rewarding experiences we participate in each year,” said Northwest Florida Water Management District executive director Brett Cyphers. “It is an honor to host these veterans and provide them a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the natural resources here in northwest Florida.”

Operation Outdoor Freedom is an endeavor of the Florida Forest Service that offers recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, to wounded veterans on state forests and other public and agricultural lands. Through the program, designated areas are equipped to accommodate the special needs of wounded veterans, providing an opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation that is not available through any other state program.

“We have now had hunters coming back for a second or even third time to take part in this event,” said Tyler Macmillan, District Bureau Chief of Land Management Operations. “That shows this event is as popular with the veterans as it is with our own staff.”

The only lowlight to the weekend’s activities was the theft of two ground blinds from District lands that were set up exclusively for the event. The blinds were stolen prior to the hunt despite a warning sign on one explaining it was to be used for wounded veterans participating in the event.

Prescribed burn scheduled for Garcon Point Water Management Area

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MEDIA ADVISORY: March 24, 2014

CONTACT: Tyler MacMillan, (850) is 850-510-2020 or NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999

Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Garcon Point Water Management Area

MILTON – The Northwest Florida Water Management District will conduct a large prescribed burn on March 25, 2014, weather permitting. The burn will consist of 2,045 acres within the District’s Garcon Point Water Management Area. It will take place near Garcon Point Bridge in Santa Rosa County, which is about four miles south of Interstate 10 on the southeast side of Garcon Point Road.

“Prescribed burns are an important part of the District’s routine land management operations that help us restore natural communities and better protect our area’s water and natural resources,” said Tyler Macmillan, District Bureau Chief of Land Management Operations. “Prescribed burns are a safe, efficient and effective way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health, and reduce wildfire risk.”

Although every effort will be made to ensure that smoke will not affect homes or highways, drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roadways.

The burn will be conducted by the District’s certified prescribed burn managers, with assistance from the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership. The final decision to burn is made daily, after reviewing the Predicted Fire Weather forecast for that particular day and after obtaining a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) is a public/private voluntary landowner partnership that collectively manages more than 1 million acres in northwest Florida and south Alabama. The 11 partners include the Department of Defense (Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Forestry Service, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Longleaf Alliance, the National Park Service, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, National Forests in Alabama, the Nature Conservancy, Nokuse Plantation and Westervelt Ecological Services.

The Garcon Point Water Management Area consists of 3,245 acres on the Garcon Point peninsula between Escambia and Blackwater bays. By preserving the estuarine tidal marsh, wet prairie and wet flatwood habitats of this area, the District is also protecting at least 13 threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

NWFWMD Governing Board Appoints New Executive Director

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Governing Board Appoints New Executive Director

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today appointed Brett Cyphers as Executive Director. Cyphers has served as the Assistant Executive Director since June 2012, and will replace Jon Steverson, who was appointed as Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“Over the past two and a half years, the District has taken significant steps forward in the protection of the water and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “Brett has played an integral role in helping advance the mission of the District and the priorities of the Governing Board, and we’re excited to work with him as Executive Director as we continue this progress.”

As Assistant Executive Director, Cyphers spearheaded budget and operational reform efforts at the District, resulting in increased transparency and accountability and the development of a fiscal approach that dedicates more taxpayer funds to projects with the most direct benefit to the natural resources and communities of Northwest Florida.

Since arriving at the District in 2012, Cyphers has worked to implement projects and programs vital to the restoration and protection of priority waterbodies, such as the Apalachicola River and St. Andrew Bay watersheds, as well as the region’s many springs, including Wakulla and Jackson Blue springs. During that time, the District has also expanded its efforts to support local governments and utilities as they work to ensure a clean and reliable water supply to communities through a Water Supply Development Grant Program that has awarded nearly $18 million in grant funding over the last two years.

Prior to Cyphers’ appointment at the District, he oversaw water management district budget development at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He has also served Floridians by working on water and environmental policy issues at the Executive Office of the Governor, Florida Senate and House of Representatives, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Cyphers is a veteran of the United States Army and Florida National Guard and holds a degree from Florida State University. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife and three daughters.

NWFWMD Awards Nearly $8 Million in Water Supply Funding

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com 

NWFWMD Awards Nearly $8 Million in Water Supply Funding

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $8 million in grant funding to be used for 26 new water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

This funding was awarded as part of the second cycle 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. During the first grant cycle, which was approved at the February 2014 Governing Board meeting, the District awarded nearly $10 million to fund 24 priority water supply projects.

“An important part of the District’s mission is ensuring a safe and reliable supply of water for the people of this region,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “This grant program allows the District to play an active part in contributing to the health and well-being of our communities by addressing regional water resource and supply development needs.”

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 water savings.

“The projects funded through the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s grant program are vital to ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people, businesses and environment of this region,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz. “The District’s support of these projects will encourage economic development and bring jobs to our area.”

After evaluating the 87 project applications that were submitted, the District identified 26 new projects it was able to fund this grant cycle. The $8 million also includes supplemental funding for two previously approved projects from the first grant cycle.

“These water projects will be a tremendous boost to our communities throughout North Florida,” said Senator Bill Montford.  “The much needed funds will help address serious issues that, when completed, will provide better and safer service.”

The District will continue to work with grant recipients to finalize projects details and execute funding agreements in the coming weeks and months.

“For the second year, the District is partnering with local governments and utilities to address water supply and public safety needs that are critical to the communities of Northwest Florida and House District 7,” said Representative Halsey Beshears. “By working with these communities to meet their long-term water supply needs, the District is protecting the health of our environment while also helping our area’s economy grow.”

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs and upgrades to water distribution systems, which will help improve reliability and drinking water quality, as well protect the region’s water supply by reducing water loss. Several projects will also support the development and growth of reclaimed water use, which helps extend the water resources available for beneficial purposes while also helping to protect and restore watersheds by reducing wastewater discharges.

The full list of projects that were awarded funding include (by county):

Parker Water System Improvements (Bay County)
The District will provide $278,500 to the City of Parker to replace the City’s 30 non-functioning gate valves.  This will reduce water loss—protecting the area’s water supply—and improve system reliability and protect public health and safety by allowing for isolation of water line breaks and contamination events.

Springfield Water System Improvements (Bay County)
The District will provide $499,192 to the City of Springfield to install approximately 6,300 linear feet of 6 to 8-inch water line.  By replacing aging and deteriorating water lines, the project will improve system reliability and reduce water losses (which are currently estimated at approximately 25 percent).

Calhoun Catalyst Site/ Industrial Park Water Improvements (Calhoun County)
The District will provide $182,232 to Calhoun County to install 1,600 linear feet of new 8-inch PVC water line and complete upgrades and repairs to an existing elevated storage tank.  These upgrades will ensure a reliable water supply and encourage economic development by extending and improving water system access to the Calhoun County Catalyst Site and the Tri-County Agricultural Park.

Century Water System Leak Survey (Escambia County)
The District will provide $44,500 to the Town of Century to conduct a water leak survey of the town’s entire distribution system, which includes 60 miles of water main, to identify and prioritize leak repair efforts to reduce water loss from approximately 22 percent to a target of 10 percent—helping to protect the area’s water supply.

Pensacola Beach Reclaimed Water System Expansion – Phase 2 (Escambia County)
The District will provide $425,000 to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority to construct a ground storage tank, pump station, and associated piping, valves, and other system components to expand the Pensacola Beach reclaimed water system. Completion of the project will reduce reliance on potable groundwater for landscape irrigation and reduce wastewater discharges to the Santa Rosa Sound. It is expected that beneficial reuse will increase from approximately 60,000 to more than 285,000 gallons per day, with additional reuse supported in the future.

Eastpoint Water System Improvements (Franklin County)
The District will provide $346,669 to the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to bring an inland well online by installing a pump, generator, and control building. The project also includes developing a transmission line to an existing treatment and storage system and abandoning two coastal wells. These improvements will ensure a more reliable supply of water and build upon efforts to limit the potential for saltwater intrusion.

Greensboro Asbestos Cement Pipe Replacement (Gadsden County)
The District will provide $222,044 to the Town of Greensboro to replace 4,463 linear feet of aging 6-inch asbestos concrete pipe with PVC water line to reduce breaks and water loss, improve system reliability, and reduce health and safety risks posed by the older pipes.

Rosedale Water Association Transmission Line Replacement (Gadsden County)
The District will provide $272,978 to the Rosedale Water Association to replace 6,300 linear feet of aging 8-inch water transmission line.  Completion of the project is expected to result in reduced water losses and improved reliability and service.  Current water losses have been estimated as being as high as 43 percent.

Port St. Joe Lime Feed System and Water Main Replacement (Gulf County)
The District will provide $358,920 to the City of Port St. Joe to install a lime addition system to improve drinking water quality and replace 3,900 linear feet of aging cast iron pipe with PVC pipe.  The completion of this project will help improve water quality and reliability by addressing water chemistry issues associated with the City’s transition from ground to surface water.

Chipola River Pump #2 Rehabilitation (Gulf County)
The District is awarding $30,870 in additional funding to the City of Port St. Joe. Combined with funding awarded last year, the District will provide a total of $225,870 in grant funding to rehabilitate a supply pump and add a new diesel electric generator. The project will help improve public health and safety by providing a more reliable water supply system.

Bonifay Wastewater Treatment Facility/Reclaimed Water Reuse Facility (Holmes County)
The District will provide $350,000 to the City of Bonifay to conduct planning and geotechnical evaluation for a reclaimed water system, which, when completed, will ensure a more reliable supply of water and improve water quality by ultimately helping to reduce wastewater discharges to Holmes Creek and the Choctawhatchee River watershed.

Esto Water Main Replacement Project, Phase 2 (Holmes County)
The District will provide $553,853 to the Town of Esto to replace approximately 10,450 linear feet of aging water pipe, reducing water loss and improving reliability within the system.  This project will build upon 4,850 linear feet of pipeline currently being replaced, which the District funded last year with nearly $150,000 in additional grant funding.

Westville Water Main Replacement (Holmes County)
The District will provide $491,100 to the Town of Westville to replace approximately 19,310 linear feet of aging 4 to 6-inch water line, which will reduce water loss, provide fire protection, and improve water quality.

Campbellton Water Improvements Project (Jackson County)
The District will provide $322,062 to the Town of Campbellton to replace and upgrade approximately 2,700 linear feet of aging waterline, which will help reduce water losses and improve system reliability.

Cottondale Water Improvements Project (Jackson County)
The District will provide $284,580 to the City of Cottondale to replace and upgrade 500 linear feet of aging cast iron pipe and 2,000 linear feet of asbestos concrete pipe with PVC water line. This will improve system reliability, reduce health risks caused by the older pipes, and reduce water loss—helping to preserve the area’s water supply.

Graceville Water System Improvements (Jackson County)
The District will provide $426,729 to the City of Graceville to replace approximately 17,500 linear feet of aging 4-inch water line with 8-inch PVC line and associated components. The project also includes new meters and funding for track hoe and ground-penetrating radar for construction.  The project will reduce water loss and increase fire protection for area residents.

Grand Ridge Water Extension to I-10 Interchange (Jackson County)
The District will award an additional $25,744 to the Town of Grand Ridge to construct approximately 11,530 linear feet of water main. This project will extend the water system to the I-10 interchange, ensuring a reliable water supply and encouraging economic development.  Combined with funding awarded last year, the District is providing a total of $347,083 for the project.

Sneads Water Improvement Projects (Jackson County)
The District will provide $402,354 to the Town of Sneads to replace 4,500 linear feet of older, undersized water line with 10-inch line and associated components to reduce water loss and provide adequate fire flow.

Hayfield Spur Road Extension Loop (Jefferson County)
The District will provide $164,203 to Jefferson Communities Water System, Inc. to construct approximately 8,470 linear feet of 8-inch PVC water line and four fire hydrants to provide looping, as well as provide potential connections for future customers. This project will improve fire protection and system reliability.

Hosford Water System (Liberty County)
The District will provide $263,000 to Liberty County to initiate testing of the existing Hosford well, siting and development of a test well, aquifer performance testing and analysis, and identification and evaluation of a new production well site. This project will help Liberty County address persistent water quality, reliability, and fire protection needs.

Holt-Baker Interconnection Project (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $8,700 to Holt Water Works, Inc. to construct a 1,100 linear foot, 6-inch interconnection with Baker Water System, Inc. The completed project will enhance reliability to both communities by ensuring that an emergency backup water supply and sufficient fire protection are available in the event that emergency conditions impact either system.

Reclaimed Water System Improvements (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $482,000 to the City of Fort Walton Beach to construct a booster pump station, storage tank, and other system components to provide adequate storage and pressure to provide reclaimed water to an existing cemetery and planned athletic complex.  The project will offset and reduce current and future potable water and groundwater use for landscape irrigation, helping to protect the area’s water supply.
West Destin Water Supply Analysis (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $40,000 to Destin Water Users, Inc. to develop a system model to analyze water system improvements throughout the western and northern service area and evaluate potential alternatives to help increase the flow of inland groundwater to this area and raise water pressure.  This project addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Fairpoint Region Utility System Well and Transmission Line (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $123,947 to the Fairpoint Regional Utility System to construct a new potable water well, treatment facility, and approximately 13,800 linear feet of 12-inch water transmission line.  This project will help ensure a more reliable supply of water and address one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Holley-Navarre Reuse Line Replacement (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $295,000 to Holley-Navarre Water System, Inc. to replace 13,000 linear feet of water line with larger, 12-inch pipe, serving the Hidden Creek Golf Course and surrounding neighborhood. The resulting increase in capacity will ensure a more reliable supply for existing customers and allow the utility to implement a residential reuse program.  The water system has the capacity to reuse 3 million gallons of water per day.

Wakulla Regional Water system Improvements (Wakulla County)
The District will provide $350,000 to Talquin Water and Wastewater, Inc. to install new water treatment systems and storage improvements to effectively address elevated metals, hydrogen sulfide, and disinfection byproducts within the drinking water system. This project will help ensure a clean and reliable supply of drinking water.

U.S. Hwy 98 Water Line Extension Phase 4 (Walton County)
The District will provide $487,620 to the Florida Community Services Corporation (Regional Utilities) to complete Phase 4 of a major initiative to upgrade existing potable water transmission lines along the U.S. Highway 98 corridor. This project will help to ensure a more reliable supply of water by providing for transmission of inland groundwater within coastal Walton County and addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Wausau Booster Pump Installation (Washington County)
The District will provide $250,800 to the Town of Wausau to install booster pumps to improve potable water service and fire protection to areas with existing distribution system.  Water service will be provided to area residents as well as county Emergency Operation Center and Public Works facilities.  Completion of the project will improve system reliability and water quality and is expected to facilitate the elimination of a number of private wells.

NWFWMD Announces New Cycle of Agricultural Cost-Share Funding to Protect Jackson Blue Springs

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Announces New Cycle of Agricultural Cost-Share Funding to Protect Jackson Blue Springs

MARIANNA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has launched the second cycle of a cost-share program designed to help agricultural producers improve water quality and reduce water use demands in and around Jackson Blue Spring.

The District’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2015 budget includes $487,500 to fund eligible agricultural best management practices (BMPs) as part of the Jackson Blue Spring Agricultural Best Management Practice Program. This initiative builds on the success of the FY 2013-2014 cycle, which awarded more than $566,000 to 20 producers in Jackson County.

Both cycles of the cost-share program were funded as part of the State of Florida’s more than $100 million investment in springs projects over the past two years.

“The District is thankful to Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and our local partners for helping us continue this successful program,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “These projects will play a vital role in the collaborative effort to protect the health of this first-magnitude spring system.”

This grant program will provide cost-share funding to agricultural producers 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.

“Public-private partnerships are absolutely essential for the protection of our springs,” said DEP Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration Drew Bartlett. “To protect spring water quality and quantity, we must deploy the most sophisticated efficiency tools in all agriculture practices in spring recharge areas.  This investment represents a significant step toward that goal.”

Under the BMP program, the NWFWMD will fund 75 percent of qualifying BMPs (up to a maximum of $56,250 for each producer), with the producers funding the remaining 25 percent.

Projects funded by the first cycle of the program have begun to be implemented, and include  subsurface drip irrigation, variable rate fertilizer applicators, fertigation equipment, irrigation system retrofits, and remote and zone control for irrigation systems.

The District is currently accepting applications from agricultural producers within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritt’s Mill Pond groundwater contribution area for the second cycle of cost-share projects.

To be eligible, producers must be:
• Operating within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritt’s Mill Pond Groundwater Contribution 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’s website at nwfwp.sgssys.info. 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 getting enrolled or updating their enrollment in the FDACS BMP program as soon as possible by contacting Diana Thurman, FDACS Field Representative at (850-875-7160) or visiting the FDACS 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 a system evaluation. Having these two items complete will allow an application to move forward more quickly.