March 19, 2024

Press Release

Florida springs to receive $82 million toward restoration projects

Gov. Rick Scott made the announcement that 26 springs projects have been approved.

| 10/5/2015

Gov. Rick Scott announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Water Management Districts have approved 26 springs projects to receive more than $40 million included in the 2015-16 “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget, the highest amount ever provided for Florida’s springs. Along with $41.8 million in matching funds at the state and local level, investment in springs’ projects resulted in over $82 million of projects this year. Governor Scott has provided historic funding for the past three years to directly benefit water quality and quantity of springs totaling $189 million.

Gov. Scott said, “Florida’s 900 freshwater springs bring families, visitors and job creators to our state. Over the last three years, we have invested record funding for Florida’s springs, and the projects we are announcing today will ensure our springs are protected for future generations to enjoy.”

DEP Secretary Jon Steverson said, “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. 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 26 statewide projects include:

  • TAMPA – Southwest Florida Water Management District (Homosassa, Kings Bay, Rainbow and Weeki Wachee Springs) – A total investment of nearly $20.48 million for five projects including in central sewer connection, reuse and infrastructure projects.
  • JACKSONVILLE/ORLANDO – St. Johns River Water Management District (Silver Springs, Volusia Blue Springs and Wekiva River springs) – A total investment of more than $31.3 million for eight projects including land acquisition, water reclamation and aquifer recharge, central sewer connection and storm water projects.
  • GAINESVILLE – Suwannee River Water Management District (Convict, Ravine, Fanning and Hornsby springs, Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers and springs) – A total investment of more than $13 million for seven projects including aquifer recharge, central sewer expansion, water quality and enhanced agricultural water quality management practices projects.
  • PANAMA CITY/TALLAHASSEE – Northwest Florida Water Management District (Gainer Spring, Jackson Blue Spring and Wakulla Springs) – A total investment of more than $17.87 million for six projects including land acquisition, central sewer connection and improved management practice projects.

» For a list of the approved spring’s projects, click here. (PDF document) To see DEP’s interactive spring’s project map, please click here.

 

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