Category: Uncategorized

Flooding at some District camp sites through Feb. 5

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Updated Jan. 27, 2016
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

WARNING: Flooding at District camp sites through Feb. 5, 2016

If you have a camp site reservation or would like to make a reservation through Feb. 5, 2016, at any of the District camp sites bordering the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, or Escambia rivers, please be aware that the roads and/or camp site may be flooded. It has been confirmed that sites at Dead River, Lost Lake, Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs and Williams Lake are either flooded or some roads are impassable.

District awards more than $2.4 million for water supply projects

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

Northwest Florida Water Management District awards more than $2.4 million for water supply projects

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board today approved more than $2.4 million 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 $18 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 the people of northwest Florida.”

The full list of projects that were awarded $2,436,406 in funding include (by county):

City of Callaway (Bay County)
The District will provide $168,374 to the City of Callaway to relocate an existing water line along Highway 2297 for bridge construction while improving water service south to Laird Bayou.

Calhoun County (Calhoun County)
The District will provide $208,593 for the replacement and expansion of water lines as well as complete upgrades and repairs to an existing elevated storage tank.

Molina Utilities (Escambia County)
The District will provide $165,000 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded mains and appurtenant structures.

City of Gretna (Gadsden County)
The District will provide $150,000 for the design and complete permitting for two new water supply wells that will address supply deficiencies and improve fire protection.

City of Port St. Joe (Gulf County)
The District will provide $52,808 to complete the upgrade of water mains along U.S. Highway 98 and State Road 71.

Town of Malone (Jackson County)
The District will provide $271,481 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded water mains and appurtenant structures.

City of Monticello (Jefferson County)
The District will provide $145,000 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded mains and appurtenant structures.

City of Bristol (Liberty County)
The District will provide $283,248 in additional funding to complete a project to construct a ground storage tank and associated pumps, controls, and chlorination system.

City of Mary Esther (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $100,000 to perform a planning and feasibility study evaluating a reclaimed water reuse program and partnership with the City of Fort Walton Beach.

Moore Creek Mount Carmel Utilities (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $151,020 to install a filtration system to remove dieldrin and other contaminants from two sand-and-gravel water supply wells.

Town of Jay (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $204,733 for the construction of a looped water system with an existing water main to improve pressures and system reliability.

City of Sopchoppy (Wakulla County)
The District will provide $291,000 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded mains and appurtenant structures.

Florida Community Services Corp. (Walton County)
The District will provide $245,149 to construct two high capacity water wells with associated buildings, power facilities, pumps, motors, valves, fittings, and appurtenances.

Strategic Water Management Plan

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District Strategic Water Management Plan (SWMP) presents the agency’s strategic priorities and identifies goals, strategies, success indicators, funding sources, deliverables, and milestones for the next five year planning horizon. A separate Annual Work Plan Report on the strategic plan’s implementation will be submitted each year with the District’s March 1 Consolidated Annual Report. The SWMP will be reviewed and updated annually as needed based on progress of implementation as well as direction from the Governing Board and input from the public.

The Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Strategic Water Management Plan was approved by the District’s Governing Board on November 12, 2015.

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.

Strategic Water Management Plan
2015-2016 Strategic Water Management Plan
2014-2015 Strategic Water Management Plan
2010 Strategic Water Management Plan

District Water Management Plan

Prior to 2006, the District Water Management Plan encompassed planning processes of the NWFWMD that address water supply, natural systems, water quality, and flood protection. These planning processes are now captured in the Strategic Water Management Annual Work Plan Report, which is incorporated each year into the Consolidated Annual Report.

District Water Management Plan
2005 District Water Management Plan Executive Summary
2005 District Water Management Plan

District re-opens popular Devil’s Hole recreation site

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 2, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

District re-opens popular Devil’s Hole recreation site

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened Devil’s Hole, a popular recreation site located in Washington County and part of the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

District staff conducted shoreline restoration and protection activities at three eroded shoreline areas. Native tree and scrub species have been planted along these newly restored areas. In addition, the District enhanced public use by constructing a boardwalk and steps down to the water so the public can more easily access the 40-foot swallet to swim. New picnic tables have been placed at the site as well.

“The District is proud to celebrate the completion of this project, which allowed us to protect Econfina Creek and also expand public access to this beautiful natural resource,” said District Governing Board member Ted Everett. “Projects like these are win-win for our communities, as they protect our water resources and make it easier for our citizens to enjoy them.”

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has acquired a majority of the Econfina Creek corridor and Sand Hill Lakes Mitigation Bank for water resource protection, restoration, and preservation. The District owns more than 43,770 acres in fee simple and less-than-fee holdings along Econfina Creek, including 2,155 acres along the Sand Hill Lakes Mitigation Bank.

Free, overnight camping is available at Devil’s Hole by making a reservation through the District’s online reservation site. For more information about Devil’s Hole, including how to make a reservation, visit the District’s recreation site.

Springs restoration continues with $17.8 million investment in northwest Florida

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 6, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

HAVANA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Northwest Florida Water Management District have approved six springs restoration projects in Bay, Jackson, Leon, and Wakulla counties. These projects will receive more than $11.6 million in state funding from Governor Rick Scott’s 2015-16 “Keep Florida Working” budget. This funding is expected to leverage over $6.2 million in matching funds.

These six selected projects will benefit Gainer, Jackson Blue, and Wakulla springs.

“I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for providing record funding for springs restoration, and for securing the recurring funding that will allow us to continue to protect springs in the future,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “Combining efforts and resources with local governments, stakeholders and the water management districts enables us to take a more comprehensive and efficient approach to springs protection.”

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.

“We are grateful for the vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott, Secretary Steverson and the Florida Legislature,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “The funding for these projects will allow the district to continue its role in restoring and protecting Florida’s unique and priceless springs.”

Northwest Florida Water Management District projects include:

  • Bay County Land Acquisition and Restoration (Bay County): Fee-simple acquisition and floodplain restoration of approximately three acres along Econfina Creek, including 300 feet of floodplain habitat restoration. This acquisition will be part of the district-managed Econfina Water Management Area that helps protect the first magnitude Gainer Spring and numerous smaller springs, as well as water quality in Deer Point Lake Reservoir.
  • Land Acquisition (Jackson County): Fee-simple and/or less-than-fee acquisition and protection of approximately 598 agricultural acres within the Jackson Blue groundwater contribution area. Protection of this land will facilitate changes in agricultural practices and land use to reduce nutrient loading to Jackson Blue Spring. A second fee-simple acquisition will provide protection of approximately 394 acres adjacent to Jackson Blue Spring. Long-term preservation of property will help reduce nutrient loading to Jackson Blue Spring.
  • Agricultural BMP Producer Cost Share Program (Jackson County): Cost-share funding for agricultural best management practices within the Jackson Blue Spring contribution area to improve water-use efficiency and reduce nutrient loading. Funding will assist 32 producers in the Jackson Spring basin, bringing the total producers served up to 65.
  • Indian Springs Sewer Connection Project (Jackson County): This project will extend central sewer services to the lower Indian Springs subdivision in Jackson County, removing up to 125 homes from septic systems. The project will reduce nitrate levels in Merrit’s Mill Pond and Jackson Blue Spring.
  • Woodside Heights Sewer Connection Project (Leon County): Continuation of a project to connect up to 200 households on septic systems in the Wakulla Springs Contribution Area to the city of Tallahassee’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment central sewer system. Phase II includes design and construction to connect up to 150 additional households.
  • Magnolia Gardens and Wakulla Gardens Sewer Connection Project (Wakulla County): Continuation of a major initiative to remove existing septic systems and reduce nutrient loading to Wakulla Springs. This project will connect up to 120 homes in the Magnolia Gardens neighborhood and up to 326 homes in the Wakulla Gardens neighborhood to Wakulla County’s central sewer facility.

Including these six Northwest Florida Water Management District projects, a total of 26 projects statewide have been selected to receive $41 million in state funding from Governor Rick Scott’s 2015-16 “Keep Florida Working” budget,” and are expected to leverage another $41.8 million in matching funds. This brings the total state and local investment springs projects to $189 million in the last three years.

District provides $402,000 to Sneads for water project

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 30, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

SNEADS – Officials from the town of Sneads and the Northwest Florida Water Management District broke ground Wednesday on a project that will improve the supply of water for town residents.

A $402,354 grant from the District is paying for the replacement and upgrade of approximately 3,380 feet of old, undersized waterline along Old Spanish Trail from Section Avenue to Park Avenue.

“The District is proud to partner with the town of Sneads to help improve the reliability of its water system for its residents,” District Governing Board member John Alter said. “This is a great example of local governments working with the District on a project that will benefit citizens for years to come.”

The work will include the replacement of any cross connection with existing intersection lines, valves, hydrants, and other components. It will also include the replacement of the connection to an elevated water tank as well as the replacement of 1,120 feet of waterline on Park Avenue that is directly connected to the Old Spanish Trail line.

The new waterline will help reduce water loss within the town’s water system and will also improve public safety by providing firefighters a more reliable source of available water.

The project is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant Program developed nearly three years ago, according to Executive Director Brett Cyphers.

“It’s always a pleasure to take part in projects like this,” Cyphers said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have a direct impact on one of our communities, especially a smaller one.” Construction on the project is expected to be completed within six months.

District adopts budget focused on springs, water resource protection

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 25, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

Northwest Florida Water Management District adopts budget focused on springs, water resource protection

PANAMA CITY – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board on Sept. 24 adopted a $55.7 million budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16, which begins Oct. 1. The budget represents an increase of $2.1 million from Fiscal Year 2014-15.

“This budget shows, once again, the Board’s commitment to the people and natural resources of northwest Florida,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

A majority of the spending in the final budget is directed toward restoring and protecting springs, providing water supply grant assistance to local communities, and improving the water quality in the Apalachicola River and Bay and St. Andrew Bay watersheds.

While the District funds many of its operations through the collection of ad valorem taxes and timber sales, the state also provides significant operational support and funding for projects that protect the region’s water resources.

“Thanks to the support of Secretary Steverson, Governor Scott, and the Legislature, the District is able to make significant strides toward completing projects that will make the greatest positive impact on the region’s communities and natural resources,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts.

Included in the newly adopted budget are the following highlights:

  • $17.3 million for Springs Projects. This funding will enable the District to implement springs restoration and protection projects for Wakulla Springs and Jackson Blue Spring as well as springs associated with the Holmes and Econfina creek systems.
  • $13.9 million for Water Supply Development Assistance. This funding includes $2.3 million for the implementation of new local grant funding for cooperative water supply development assistance.
  • $4.8 million for Watershed Restoration. This funding will facilitate continued efforts to protect and restore water quality and estuarine habitats in the Apalachicola River and Bay and St. Andrew Bay systems through the implementation of cooperative stormwater retrofit projects and other best management practices.
  • $1.7 million for the ongoing effort to develop Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for the St. Marks River Rise, Wakulla Spring, Sally Ward Spring, Jackson Blue Spring and the Floridan aquifer in coastal Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. This also includes MFL hydrologic monitoring for water levels, discharge, and rainfall at 97 sites across the Panhandle.

District provides $322,000 to Campbellton for water project

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

Northwest Florida Water Management District provides $322,000 to Campbellton for water project

HAVANA – Officials from the town of Campbellton and the Northwest Florida Water Management District broke ground Thursday on a project that will improve the supply of water for town residents.

A $322,000 grant from the District is paying for the replacement of nearly 1,900 feet of aging waterline in Campbellton, a small town located in Jackson County just south of the Alabama border on U.S. Highway 231.

“The District is proud to partner with the town of Campbellton to help improve the quality of water for its residents,” District Governing Board member John Alter said. “This is a great example of local governments working with the District on a project that will benefit citizens for years to come.”

The new waterline will serve as the primary source of drinking water for residents along State Road 2 and will also improve public safety by providing firefighters a more reliable source of available water.

The project is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant Program developed nearly three years ago, according to Executive Director Brett Cyphers.

“We are committing as many resources as possible toward helping our communities, especially the smaller ones,” Cyphers said. “So it’s always a pleasure to see projects like this come to fruition.”

Construction on the project is expected to be completed within four to six months.

Ted Everett appointed to NWFWMD Governing Board

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

Ted Everett appointed to NWFWMD Governing Board

HAVANA – Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Ted Everett to the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Everett, 54, of Chipley, is the executive director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the owner and operator of Hard Labor Creek Hunting Plantation and Hard Labor Creek Off Road Park. He currently serves as the secretary of Opportunity Florida and is a member of the Florida Economic Development Council and Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

Everett earned a four-year degree in political science from Augusta College and a two-year degree in forestry with a minor in wildlife management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning July 31, 2015, and ending March 1, 2017.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District, DEP hosting stormwater conference

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CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT: July 2, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  orAllyson.McKee@yopmail.com

District, DEP hosting stormwater conference

WHAT: Northwest Florida Stormwater Conference
WHEN: Friday, July 10; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE: Department of Environmental Protection; Carr Building – Room 170; 3900 Commonwealth Blvd.; Tallahassee, FL 32399

HOW: To register online, click here. For more information, please contact Brandy Smith at 850-595-0695 orbrandy.m.smith@dep.state.fl.us.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northwest District invite local governments, engineers, consultants, architects and other interested parties to attend a Stormwater Conference in Tallahassee.

The conference will highlight key issues the District and DEP review for permitting and compliance of stormwater treatment systems to ensure proper design and functionality. Appropriate design and maintenance ensure that development activities will not cause violations of water quality standards in receiving waters or adverse impacts to on-site and off-site property. Learning how to avoid these impacts will reduce the potential for future compliance issues.

The conference agenda will include a review of stormwater regulations and thresholds, operating agreements between DEP and the District, design criteria, best management practices, compliance expectations and online resources. Professional development hours, approved by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, will be awarded.