SJRWMD approves $25 million for cooperative funding projects

PALATKA – The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board on Aug. 11 approved $25 million in cooperative funding for 50 local projects that when leveraged with local partners' funding represents more than $98 million in total project investment.

These projects will conserve more than 1.7 million gallons of water a day (mgd), develop more than 56 mgd of alternative water supplies, reduce total nitrogen loading to waterways and springs by nearly 540,000 pounds per year and reduce total phosphorus loading by more than 113,000 pounds per year.

"Through this program, we are partnering with public and private entities on projects that will significantly help local communities conserve water, develop alternative water supplies, or improve surface water quality," said Board Chairman John Miklos of Orlando. "These projects are shovel-ready, so construction can get under way quickly."

Projects include reclaimed water projects, storm water or surface water treatment and enhancement projects, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, alternative water supply development and water conservation enhancements.

Project applications were ranked on the overall quality of the application, support of core mission areas, District priorities, potential for success and problem solving, and cost effectiveness. The projects address one or more of the District's strategic priorities, including springs protection and water quality protection in the Indian River Lagoon, Northern Coastal Basins, and middle and lower St. Johns River basins.

The Board also directed staff to initiate a second round of solicitations to generate proposed projects for an additional $5 million. The additional funding will be specifically for innovative projects and projects in Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities.