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Submittal of Application to State Department of Environmental Protection for FY 2025 Springs Funding Grant for Septic to Sewer Conversion Study for Northwest Hernando County
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) is seeking approval to apply for a $150,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Springs funding grant to fund a study for converting septic tanks to a centralized system in the northwestern area of Hernando County. The proposed study will identify the needed infrastructure, conceptual costs, and proposed phasing of the work and will also investigate the need for including centralized water in this study area for septic to sewer conversions, since this area is mostly outside of HCUD’S current water service area. The study will also determine the environmental benefit of septic to sewer and the nutrient reduction to Weeki Wachee and Chassahowitzka Springs. The specific area for this study is approximately 13,500 acres and generally described as east of Commercial Way, south of Kelso Street, west of the Suncoast Parkway, and north of Hexam Road, with an emphasis on the properties north of Centralia Road.
Although the typical submission deadline was October 6, 2023, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has urged HCUD to apply for the grant.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The study would be grant funded through the state’s spring funding program.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve staff to move forward with applying for the grant for septic to sewer conversion study for northwest Hernando County.