Cost-share project applications accepted now through Oct. 13

“The district’s first round of cost-share funding for Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and innovative projects in 2015 was a great success, with eight projects benefiting water resources in six communities, as well as funding four innovative projects,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “By providing significant funding assistance, we are ensuring small communities are moving forward and cutting-edge ideas are being implemented on much-needed water resource protection and enhancement projects.”

Project proposals considered for funding should help benefit water supply (including water conservation, alternative water supplies, and maintenance and enhancement of REDI community water distribution systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems), improve water quality, provide flood protection, or protect or enhance natural systems. Project criteria, application instructions and additional information about the program are available on the district’s website at www.sjrwmd.com/funding/REDI.html.

Informational workshops about the cost-share opportunity will be held at:

• 10 a.m. on Sept. 20 at district headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka;
• 10 a.m. on Sept. 21 at the district’s Maitland Service Center, 601 South Lake Destiny Road, Suite 200, Maitland;
• 10 a.m. on Sept. 22 at the district’s Palm Bay Service Center, 525 Community College Parkway S.E., Palm Bay.

These workshops will be broadcast via webinar. Pre-registration to participate via webinar is available on the REDI webpage.

District staff will evaluate each project to determine which provide the most beneficial water resource results and can be constructed in a timely and efficient manner. Staff will then prepare a recommended list for board approval in December 2016.

An innovative project is one that uses emerging or proven technology in a unique way to promote alternative water supply development or to expand available quantities to offset groundwater withdrawal, or to otherwise demonstrate projects to improve the water resources of the district in support of the agency’s core missions.

A REDI community is economically disadvantaged with an employment base dominated by traditional agriculture or resource-based industries and a population of 25,000 or less. REDI-designated communities within the district’s boundary include Baker, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and Okeechobee counties (and the communities within) and the communities of Bunnell, Callahan, Crescent City, Fellsmere, Fernandina Beach, Flagler Beach, Glen St. Mary, Hastings, Hawthorne, Hilliard, Macclenny, Palatka, Interlachen, Palm Coast, Pomona Park, Umatilla and Welaka.