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Request for Board approval to submit grant applications to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program requesting up to $3 million for expansion of the County’s reclaimed water distribution system; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all grant documents associated with the grant application. Countywide (Johnny Edwards, Utilities Director) Requesting Department - Utilities
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Division:
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Utilities - Business Office
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Authorized By:
Johnny Edwards, Utilities Director
Contact/Phone Number:
George Woodring/407-665-7168
Background:
Each year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers alternative water supply grants with Legislative funding aimed at promoting water conservation, water reuse and water supply development projects. For Fiscal Year 25-26, the Legislative appropriation is $50 million. While local cost share is a consideration for grant awards, matching funds are not a requirement.
Seminole County has invested in reclaimed water infrastructure to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation and reduce pumping of water from the Upper Floridan Aquifer, Central Florida’s primary source of drinking water.
As presented to the Board of County Commissioners during Utilities Master Plan work sessions, reclaimed water is available to Seminole County at the Iron Bridge Water Reclamation Facility. Additionally, expansion of the reclaimed water distribution system is needed to help comply with policy developed by the Central Florida Water Initiative and anticipated restrictions in the County’s Consumptive Use Permit, from the St. Johns River Water Management District, on pumping from the Florida Aquifer.
Staff is working with Jacobs (Utilities Master Plan Consultant) and Hale Innovation (County Grant Consultant) to propose a reclaimed distribution expansion project within an application for a portion of the aforementioned grant funds. The projects are already being planned as part of the County’s strategy to comply with State regulations. Grant awards would reduce the financial burden on Seminole County Utilities customers.
Based on information from the aforementioned consultants, staff recommends requesting $3 million to support a $5.09 million project to bring reclaimed water to the Estates at Aloma Woods. The cost share of $2.09 million, while not required, is expected to significantly increase the probability of award.
Requested Action:
Staff requests Board approval to submit a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program requesting up to $3 million for expansion of the County’s reclaimed water distribution system; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all grant documents associated with the grant application.