NWFWMD awards more than $2.4 million for water supply grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2015Jim Lamar Director, Communications Allyson McKee Communications Specialist 850-539-5999 jim.lamar@nwfwater.com allyson.mckee@nwfwater.com NWFWMD awards more than $2.4 million for water supply grants 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.      ### About the Northwest Florida Water Management District The Northwest Florida Water Management District is charged with managing and protecting the water resources of the Florida panhandle in a manner that best ensures the continued welfare of the people and natural resources of its 16-county region, including Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington, and western Jefferson counties.

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