Leon County Leverages Millions in Matching Funds to Improve Water Quality
Project to Restore Wakulla Springs Receive Funding for Septic to Sewer Grants
Earlier this month, Leon County received $4.5 million in matching grants for septic-to-sewer projects in the Wakulla Springs primary protection zone from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The County received this amount by matching the grants with $4.5 million, for two water quality projects totaling $9.0 million.
“The Board is committed to pursuing partnerships that protect and restore our local water bodies,” said Leon County Commission Chairman John E. Dailey. “By doing so, we reduce local costs, protect our supply of quality water, and conserve and restore environmentally sensitive lands.”
Leon County authorized two grant-funded projects during a June budget workshop. The Northeast Lake Munson Sewer System and Belair/Annawood Sewer System will eliminate hundreds of septic tanks. Eliminating septic tanks will protect the Wakulla Springs and Leon County’s water bodies so as to ensure high water quality across the region.
“As we leverage our future local sales tax funds, we are excited FDEP sees the value in partnering with Leon County,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Throughout this process, our County team has listened to our citizens and took action to preserve our water.”
The collaborative funding will be used for projects to extend and increase central sewer service around and within the Wakulla springshed. The Northeast Lake Munson and the Belair/Annawood sewer system project will extend to approximately 373 residents in Leon County adjacent to Lake Munson currently on septic tanks, significantly reducing the total nutrient load by more than 5,000 pounds of nitrogen per year. Reducing nutrient loads will ensure the County’s waterways remain clean for outdoor recreation and so much more.
“News of the $4.5 million matching grant from FDEP is truly an outstanding and a red letter day for Leon County,” said Leon County District 1 Commissioner Bill Proctor. “I have never seen anything close to the success levels we are now experiencing in the area of sewer funding for Wakulla Springs Protection zone.”
For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov .
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