The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last week approved approximately $2.5 million in grant funding to the City of Apalachicola to improve water quality in Apalachicola Bay. The funding will be used for the design and construction of three stormwater retrofit projects within the city.
The funding for these projects is part of a $3 million allocation proposed by Governor Rick Scott and approved by the Florida Legislature as part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget.
"The Apalachicola River and Bay system plays a vital role in Northwest Florida's environment, economy and way of life, and that's why we fought to fund critical water quality projects for families in the region," said Governor Scott. "The State of Florida remains dedicated to doing the right thing for the people of Apalachicola."
The three proposed projects include the US 98 and 16th Street Stormwater Quality Improvement Project, the Prado Outfall Stormwater Quality Improvements Project and the Avenue I Water Quality Improvement Project. The projects all involve retrofitting existing drainage system to capture and treat stormwater, removing pollutants before the water is directly discharged into Apalachicola Bay. These projects will also help to improve flood protection for the community.
“The protection of the Apalachicola River and Bay continues to be the District’s top priority,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “We are grateful to Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their support as we work to improve the quality of water flowing into the Bay.”
The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget, which began October 1, includes a total of $4.7 million for Apalachicola River and Bay watershed protection and restoration, including the $3 million in legislative funding.
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