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NWFWMD Moves Forward with MFL Development

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Moves Forward with MFL Development

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently completed an unprecedented work plan for the establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) in Northwest Florida, a vital step for the long-term protection of three regional spring systems including the St. Marks River Rise, Sally Ward Spring and Wakulla Springs.

The work plan includes the data, technical information and assessments the District is now using to successfully establish realistic, science-based MFLs. The plan also includes a public involvement and peer review process, as well as a schedule and cost estimate for development of the MFLs.

“One of the District’s top priorities is establishing a meaningful and realistic MFL program that will help us ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of our water resources,” said District Executive Director Jon Steverson. “This work plan is our road map to achieving a successful MFL program by clearly laying out the steps the District is taking as we move forward with developing these three MFLs for our region.”

Since 2012, the District has begun work to develop MFLs for five waterbodies in Northwest Florida: St. Marks River Rise, Wakulla Springs, Sally Ward Spring, the Florida Aquifer in Coastal Franklin County and Jackson Blue Spring. The District anticipates the technical assessment of its first MFL—St. Marks River Rise—to be completed in 2018.

“MFLs serve as an important tool in protecting Florida’s water resources, including many of the state’s treasured springs,” said Drew Bartlett, Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. “The Department appreciates the District’s commitment to establishing MFLs throughout the region and commends District staff on the progress they’ve made over the past two years.”

MFLs set water flows, levels and limits necessary to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area from water withdrawals. Florida law (section 373.042(1), Florida Statutes,) requires each water management district to develop and set MFLs to protect the waterbodies, including springs, rivers and aquifers, within their region.

MFLs are calculated using the best available information and science, and the process of developing those MFLs includes a series of steps including identification of priority waterbodies and establishment of the District’s ambitious but achievable schedule; technical analysis of data collection; and finally, the adoption of District rules establishing MFLs.

For more information and to view the work plan, visit http://nwfwp.sgssys.info/water-resources/minimum-flows-minimum-water-levels/.

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last week approved nearly $430,000 in grant funding to the City of Mexico Beach for a stormwater retrofit project that will reduce pollution and improve water quality in the St. Andrew Bay watershed.

“Protection of the St. Andrew Bay system continues to be a top priority for the District,” said George Roberts, Governing Board Chairman. “Along with this grant funding, the District has allocated nearly $3.8 million this fiscal year to the protection of this important watershed.”

The project includes modifications to the existing stormwater management facility to increase the conveyance and treatment capacity of roadside swales and ditches, which will improve water quality and reduce flooding impacts.

The project also includes the installation of a Nutrient Separating Baffle Box, which will remove pollutants from stormwater before it discharges to the Bay. The baffle box reduces flow velocity, allowing suspended solids to settle into sediment chambers, while a trash rack filters larger debris.  The City of Mexico Beach will monitor the debris level and clean the box as needed.

The District works to protect and improve the St. Andrew Bay system, which is renowned for its environmental and economic resources and is widely recognized as a waterbody of state and national significance. The District continues to partner with local governments to implement improvements to benefit this watershed, including stormwater retrofit and restoration projects and wastewater improvements.

NWFWMD Approves Funding to Improve Water Quality in Apalachicola Bay

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Approves Funding to Improve Water Quality in Apalachicola Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last week approved up to $462,000 in grant funding for the City of Carrabelle to implement a stormwater retrofit project that will improve water quality in the Apalachicola Bay watershed.

The Marine Street Stormwater Retrofit project will treat stormwater that discharges into the Carrabelle River and ultimately into St. George Sound, part of the Apalachicola Bay system.

“The District continues to partner with local governments to improve water quality throughout the Apalachicola Bay system,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “The District remains committed to working to protect the environment—and ultimately the economy—of the Apalachicola region.”

The stormwater retrofit project consists of two primary components designed to improve stormwater quality before it discharges into the Carrabelle River—stormwater conveyance improvements and a bioretention system. The project will reduce stormwater runoff pollutants using a “treatment train” approach, which consists of pre-treatment to remove solid and larger pollutants followed by bioretention treatment to further remove dissolved pollutants and nutrients.

The project will also help improve drainage along Marine Street, a waterfront boardwalk area that is important to local tourism and economic development, which is currently served by inadequate drainage facilities.

The District continues to work with local governments, state and federal agencies and other partners toward the restoration of the Apalachicola River and Bay. The District’s 2013-2014 budget includes a total of $4.7 million for Apalachicola River and Bay watershed protection and restoration, including $3 million proposed by Governor Rick Scott and approved by the Florida Legislature as part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget. The funding for the Marine Street Stormwater Retrofit Project is allocated by the District through its Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program.

UPDATED: NWFWMD To Re-Open All Field Offices; Recreation Sites Remain Closed Due to Weather

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999 or Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

UPDATED:  NWFWMD To Re-Open All Field Offices; Recreation Sites Remain Closed Due to Weather

HAVANA –The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened its Crestview and Milton field offices today.
Due to high water levels resulting from recent heavy rain conditions in the western Panhandle, the District asks the public to avoid accessing recreation sites along the Perdido, Escambia and Choctawhatchee rivers and Econfina and Holmes creeks. The District’s Pitt Springs Recreation Area and Econfina Creek Canoe Launch along Highway 20 in Bay County remain closed until further notice.

Please visit the District’s website at nwfwp.sgssys.info, or follow us on twitter.com/nwfwmd and facebook.com/nwfwater for updates.

NWFWMD To Close Crestview and Milton Field Offices and Recreation Sites Due to Weather

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999 or Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD To Close Crestview and Milton Field Offices and Recreation Sites Due to Weather

HAVANA – Due to heavy rain conditions in the western Panhandle, the Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed its Crestview and Milton field offices today. The offices will remain closed as the District continues to evaluate conditions.
The District has also closed the Pitt Springs Recreation Area and Econfina Creek Canoe Launch along Highway 20 in Bay County. In addition, due to high water conditions along the Perdido and Escambia rivers, the District asks the public to avoid accessing recreation sites along these rivers.

District Headquarters and other field offices will remain open at this time.

Please contact District Headquarters for assistance with permitting or other District matters during the closures:

Northwest Florida Water Management District Headquarters
81 Water Management Drive
Havana, FL 32333-4712
Phone: (850) 539-5999
Email: Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

Please visit the District’s website at nwfwp.sgssys.info, or follow us on twitter.com/nwfwmd and facebook.com/nwfwater for updates.

Successful Prescribed Burn Completed at Garcon Point WMA

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CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999
Tyler Macmillan, NWFWMD Bureau Chief, Land Management Operations (850) 539-2633

Successful Prescribed Burn Completed at Garcon Point WMA

MILTON – The Northwest Florida Water Management District conducted a successful prescribed burn on 2,045 acres at the southern portion of the Garcon Point peninsula on March 25. Assisting the District were staff from Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Park Service, the Longleaf Alliance, the National Park Service and Westervelt Ecological Services. The Munson, Avalon and Bagdad volunteer fire departments also provided support and standby fire engines.

As with any prescribed burn, weather conditions were carefully evaluated by the District’s trained burn managers, as well as the Florida Forest Service, who issued the District an authorization to conduct the burn.

“Although Red-Flag weather conditions are not appropriate for backyard burning, the weather proved to be beneficial for this particular burn. The wind kept the smoke off the highway and out of the neighborhoods to the west and allowed the burn to be completed before mid-afternoon,” said Steve Brown, District Senior Lands Manager. “A lot of planning, preparation, and coordination with other agencies and permitting authorities go into a burn of this magnitude, and we thank our burning partners for their assistance”

Three groups of certified burn crews worked simultaneously to conduct the large magnitude burn. Crews started the burn at 10:00 a.m. along the eastern side of Avalon Boulevard at the Garcon Point Bridge., and the flames and smoke were pushed to the southeast and away from the roadway by a steady northwest wind.

“This was a textbook large-scale prescribed burn using a combination of ground and aerial ignition. Thanks to weather conditions and the cooperation of our large crew of highly trained professional burners, the burn was completed without a hitch,” said Brown.

A second crew ignited the northeastern portion of the burn area, where the Garcon Point property boundary meets Blackwater Bay. A third crew began operations in the middle of the burn area, about 1.5 miles north of the Garcon Point Bridge. A helicopter was used to help ignite the interior of the burn unit.

The burn was successfully completed around 2:00 p.m.

The Garcon Point Water Management Area consists of 3,245 acres on the Garcon Point peninsula between Escambia and Blackwater bays. The peninsula is home to extensive wiregrass and other highly flammable plant species, which can fuel frequent wildfires in the area. Prescribed burning reduces the grassy fuels, providing a measure of protection against wildfires.

More Than One Million Longleaf Pine and Wiregrass Planted

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

More Than One Million Longleaf Pine and Wiregrass Planted

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently completed a reforestation and groundcover restoration project that included planting more than one million longleaf pine and wiregrass tubelings on District lands on the Econfina Creek, Choctawhatchee River and Chipola River Water Management Areas (WMAs).

The plantings took place over 19 days in January—at an average of approximately 60,000 plants per day—and covered a total of 1,483 acres in Bay, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties.

Funding for this project came from revenue collected through District timber sales and cost-share assistance from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Longleaf Stewardship Fund through partnership grants with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the National Wild Turkey
Federation (NWTF).

“The National Wild Turkey Federation is proud of its partnerships with the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and our overall longleaf restoration efforts in the southeast,” said Mark Hatfield, NWTF’s director of eastern conservation planning. “We are dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, and longleaf pine is a southern ecosystem that is critical to the restoration of wild turkey populations.”

Planting native species such as longleaf pine trees and wiregrass restores lands to a more natural state and condition, improving plant species diversity and wildlife habitat for animal and insect species; providing erosion control; and helping provide “fuel” for effective prescribed burns.

Prescribed fire is a safe, effective and efficient land management tool, which applies a natural process to ensure ecosystem health. Prescribed fires, which mimic naturally-occurring fires, reduce wildfire risk, enhance native vegetation and improve wildlife habitat.

“The Nature Conservancy provided 363,000 longleaf pine trees to advance habitat restoration at Econfina Creek Water Management Area,” said Brian Pelc, Natural Areas Restoration Specialist with The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “Restoring lands near Econfina Creek helps to protect this critical source of clean, fresh drinking water for Bay County residents. This grant was made possible through our partnership with the Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance, a multi-agency cooperative that includes The Nature Conservancy and the District, which works to restore and appropriately manage native ecosystems within the Apalachicola River region.”

The District owns more than 212,000 acres across northwest Florida, protecting river corridors, springs, streams, lakes and wetlands. The Econfina Creek, Choctawhatchee River and Chipola River WMAs consist of approximately 111,243 acres and protect groundwater recharge areas, sandhill lakes, riverine corridors and notable springs like Williford, Sylvan, and Pitt.

“Reforestation and groundcover restoration are important land management activities that help us protect the natural systems of Northwest Florida,” said District Governing Board member and Lands Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Bloyd. “The District is grateful to our partners in this project, and looks forward to continuing to leverage taxpayer dollars through funding partnerships like these in the future.”

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For updates on land management activities in the Florida panhandle, visit www.facebook.com/nwfwater and www.twitter.com/nwfwmd.

Northwest Florida Water Management District Hosts Hunt for Wounded Veterans

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2668 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

Northwest Florida Water Management District Hosts Hunt for Wounded Veterans

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently hosted its second Operation Outdoor Freedom hunt. Six wounded veterans spent a productive weekend deer hunting on District land. The hunt took place February 7-9 in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area in Bay and Washington counties and was hosted with support from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (DACS), Florida Forest Service, Friends of Florida State Forests and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

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.

Thanks to donations and support from individuals and local businesses, the District was able to provide meals for all participants, along with volunteers, primitive camping accommodations and equipment for the hunt. Donors included:

  • Preble-Rish
  • North Florida Dental Care
  • F4 Tech
  • Destin Water Users
  • Gus Andrews
  • Stephanie Bloyd
  • Nick Patronis
  • Bill Hunkapiller
  • Michael Edgar
  • Derek Fussell, Camo Dreams, Inc.
  • Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel

The District owns more than 212,000 acres across northwest Florida, protecting river corridors, springs, streams, lakes and wetlands. The Econfina Creek Water Management Area (WMA) consists of approximately 41,000 acres surrounding the Econfina Creek Corridor, including steephead ravines, sandhill lakes and notable springs like Williford, Sylvan, and Pitt. Hunting is allowed throughout much of the area, which the District partners with FWC to manage. The WMA also features a specified hunting area and campsite for mobility-impaired hunters.

Visit nwfwp.sgssys.info for more information about District lands.

 

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For updates on water projects in the Florida panhandle, visit www.facebook.com/nwfwater and www.twitter.com/nwfwmd.

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Eastern Region)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999  or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Eastern Region)

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $10 million in grant funding to be used for 24 water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people and natural systems of this region is one of the District’s top priorities,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The Governing Board is pleased to play a part in helping local communities address their water supply challenges and needs.”

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $10 million to provide assistance to local governments and utilities for water supply development projects.

“I appreciate the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s commitment to protecting the people and natural resources of the panhandle,” said State Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee). “Through this funding, the District is providing vital support to help local communities address important needs.”

Last fall, the District launched a grant program to help local governments and utilities within the District’s 16-county area apply for funding for water supply projects. Projects eligible for grant funding included traditional water supply development projects, as well as alternative water supply projects, such as reuse and conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.

After careful review and evaluation of the many worthwhile projects submitted, the District identified 24 projects it was able to fund in this grant cycle.

“Through this grant program, the Northwest Florida Water Management District is working to address important and much needed water supply, water quality and public safety needs in Northwest Florida and House District 7,” said State Representative Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello). “This funding will go a long way in providing permanence for long-term needs in our rural counties. We appreciate the District’s favorable consideration of these projects.”

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs or upgrades to aging and deteriorating water distribution and treatment systems currently experiencing water loss, a lack of reliability or inadequate fire protection. The majority of the projects awarded serve financially disadvantaged communities which struggle to fund vital projects without infrastructure assistance.

“Many of these projects are important to our local communities not only in terms of improving water supply, but also to helping protect public health and safety,” said District Governing Board Member Bo Spring.

Combined with match funding from the local governments and other grants, the District’s funding is anticipated to leverage a total of $15.8 million in projects to meet regional water supply challenges.

“In addition to helping communities address pertinent water supply needs, many of these projects will benefit them economically,” said Jon Costello, Governing Board member representing the Ochlockonee-St. Marks-Wakulla River Basin Area. “Expansions and improvements to existing water systems make communities more attractive to businesses, whether it’s an established business looking to grow or one thinking of moving to the region from another state.”

Projects receiving District funding in the eastern region of the District include:

Monticello Water Extension (Jefferson County)

The District will provide $837,000 to the City of Monticello to extend a water main approximately two miles north of the city, providing users of private systems access to a reliable public water supply.

Town of Havana Water System Improvements (Gadsden County)

The District will provide $500,000 to the Town of Havana to construct a new well, 120,000 gallon storage tank, and treatment and water line improvements. This funding will be used to provide a new source of water, resolving persistent potable water quality problems.

Gretna Water System Upgrades (Gadsden County)

The District will provide $150,000 in funding to the City of Gretna to complete design and surveying for two wells, as well as transmission and treatment improvements. The funding will be used for planning and engineering to address existing deficiencies in storage, capacity, and fire flow.

Panacea Area Water System Sopchoppy Water System Interconnect (Wakulla County)

The District will provide $348,947 to Panacea Area Water System, Inc. to install approximately 13,750 linear feet of interconnection with the Sopchoppy water system. This interconnection will provide supplemental water and address persistent water quality problems.

Chipola River Pump #2 Rehabilitation (Gulf County)

The District will provide $195,000 to the City of Port St. Joe 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.

City of Bristol Water Storage Capacity Project (Liberty County)

The District will provide $537,500 to the City of Bristol to construct a 200,000 gallon ground storage tank and two high service pumps, addressing critical storage needs and providing the necessary flow for adequate fire protection.

Pine Island Water System (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $409,844 in grant funding to the Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners to construct approximately 15,000 linear feet of water main and three fire hydrants, which will connect and serve the Pine Island community. This project will replace an inadequate and abandoned private system, and help ensure the community a reliable supply of water.

State Road 20 Waterline Replacement (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $235,845 in grant funding to the City of Blountstown to construct approximately 6,135 linear feet of water line and install 13 fire hydrants. This funding will augment a grant awarded to the City in January 2012 to replace an aging facility and improve service to ensure a clean and reliable supply of water to residents.

Altha Water System Phase 3 (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $540,000 to the Town of Altha to install approximately 9,550 linear feet of water main and 25 fire hydrants, improving capacity, reliability, and fire protection for residents.

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NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Central Region)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999  or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Central Region)

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $10 million in grant funding to be used for 24 water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people and natural systems of this region is one of the District’s top priorities,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The Governing Board is pleased to play a part in helping local communities address their water supply challenges and needs.”

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $10 million to provide assistance to local governments and utilities for water supply development projects.

“The projects funded under this grant program represent an important step forward in ensuring a clean and long-term supply of water for the residents, businesses and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “I look forward to continuing to work with the District and local governments in the area to ensure the health of the area’s environment and economy.”

Last fall, the District launched a grant program to help local governments and utilities within the District’s 16-county area apply for funding for water supply projects. Projects eligible for grant funding included traditional water supply development projects, as well as alternative water supply projects, such as reuse and conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.

After careful review and evaluation of the many worthwhile projects submitted, the District identified 24 projects it was able to fund in this grant cycle.

“Thanks to this funding, numerous communities in Northwest Florida will now be able to address critical water supply needs,” said State Representative Marti Coley (R-Marianna). “These projects will also allow the region to be better prepared for economic development that will ultimately provide jobs for our citizens. I applaud the District for their commitment to protecting the people and water resources of the region.”

“The projects funded under this grant program will not only help communities of House District 4 meet
long-term water supply needs, but will also provide infrastructure vital to helping our economy grow,” said State Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach).

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs or upgrades to aging and deteriorating water distribution and treatment systems currently experiencing water loss, a lack of reliability or inadequate fire protection. The majority of the projects awarded serve financially disadvantaged communities which struggle to fund vital projects without infrastructure assistance.

“Through this grant program, the District is funding important projects that will help communities meet their water supply needs, along with improving water quality and protecting public health and safety,” said Governing Board Member Gary Clark.

Combined with match funding from the local governments and other grants, the District’s funding is anticipated to leverage a total of $15.8 million in projects to meet regional water supply challenges.

“Many of the projects funded by the District’s grant program will provide economic benefits to the communities of Northwest Florida,” said John Alter, Governing Board member representing the Apalachicola-Chipola-Lower Chattahoochee River Basin.  “Having an accessible, reliable and safe supply of water will help provide the foundation needed to attract new or expanding businesses to the region.”

Projects receiving District funding in the central region of the District include:

Chipola River Protection and Stormwater Reuse Project (Jackson County)

A grant of $671,340 will be provided to the City of Marianna to expand an existing stormwater pond and develop a stormwater reuse irrigation system. This project will improve water quality by providing additional stormwater treatment and reduce water use by the application of innovative reuse technology.

Water Extension to I-10 Interchange (Jackson County)

The District will provide $321,339 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.

Greenwood/ Marianna Interconnecting Water Mains (Jackson County)

A grant of $230,308 to the Town of Greenwood will be used to install approximately 5,300 linear feet of interconnection and replace approximately 4,000 linear feet of current distribution main, connecting the Town of Greenwood to the City of Marianna’s water supply and helping to resolve a persistent problem with potable water quality.

Highway 77/I-10 Infrastructure Improvements (Washington County)

A grant of $440,000 to the City of Chipley will be used to construct a new 16-inch well and associated distribution system improvements. These improvements will improve capacity and alleviate risks to the quality of the water utilized by the potable system.

City of Bonifay Waterline Replacement (Holmes County)

The District will provide $268,900 to the City of Bonifay to replace approximately 4,590 linear feet of asbestos cement and lead joint water main. This will reduce water loss and help protect the public and environment..

Esto Water Main Replacement (Holmes County)

The District will provide $149,690 to the Town of Esto to replace approximately 4,850 linear feet of water line.  Replacing the aging water pipes will significantly reduce water loss.

Noma Water Line Replacement Project (Holmes County)

The District will provide $415,292 to the Town of Noma to replace a 28,100 linear feet distribution system and 25 fire hydrants, as well as provide additional valve and meter installation to address deficiencies in the system.

DeFuniak Springs Water Main Replacement (Walton County)

The District will provide $473,750 to the City of DeFuniak Springs to replace approximately 10,714 linear feet of asbestos cement water main and install 30 fire hydrants. By replacing the deteriorating water lines, this project will improve public health and safety, as well as reduce water loss.

Highway 285 Reclaimed Water Main Upgrade (Okaloosa County)

A grant of $144,000 to the City of Niceville will be used to replace 3,100 linear feet of 6 and 8-inch reuse lines with 12-inch lines to increase capacity, providing residential, commercial and institutional reuse.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Mid-County Tank in Okaloosa County (Okaloosa County)

The District will provide a $1,250,000 grant to the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer System to construct a 1 million gallon elevated water tank and associated facilities. This project will enhance service in the mid-county area and add inland storage for system interconnected with coastal service areas.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

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