Communities encouraged to apply for dollars to benefit Indian River Lagoon
PALM BAY, Fla., March 24, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is hosting an informational workshop in Palm Bay about $25 million in cost-share funding available districtwide. The workshop is geared toward educating local municipalities about how to move through the application process. Projects that focus on improving the health of the Indian River Lagoon are encouraged.
“We continue working to put projects in the ground to continue chipping away at the excess nutrient problem we have in the Indian River Lagoon,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “These cost-share dollars help local communities stretch dollars further, and it’s through this type of collaboration we can begin to see much-needed improvements to a water body that needs our attention and action.”
This is the last of three workshops being held to promote the available cost-share dollars. Eligible projects may improve water quality, reduce nutrients, restore natural systems or protect against flooding. Alternative water supply projects, stormwater or surface water treatment and enhancement projects, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and water conservation enhancements will also be considered.
WHAT: Cost-Share Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, March 30, 2016
10-11 a.m.
WHERE: St. Johns River Water Management District
Palm Bay Service Center, Blue Cypress Room
525 Community College SE
Palm Bay, FL 32909
Projects are eligible for a maximum district cost-share of 10 percent of the total available funds, or a maximum of $2.5 million per project and per applicant. Projects may span a maximum of two years and must start by June 30, 2017. Those that are permitted and ready to begin construction will receive a higher score during the review process.
The district will fund up to 33 percent of the construction costs for selected alternative water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems projects and up to 50 percent for water conservation projects. Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities should submit a waiver of matching funds letter.
Complete applications should be emailed to funding@sjrwmd.com by 5 p.m. April 22. For more information, visit the cost-share program Web page at www.sjrwmd.com/funding/.