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Amendment No. 3 to Grant Agreement With State Department of Environmental Protection for Septic Upgrade Incentive Program and Associated Budget Resolution
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Pursuant to the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (2016) and resulting Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP's), Hernando County has implemented a Septic Upgrade Incentive Program (SUIP) to help lower the amount of nutrients in the Weeki Wachee Springs. This project encouraged homeowners to voluntarily remediate existing conventional Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) to nitrogen reducing enhancements.
Hernando County's SUIP has had a high participation rate. The original program opened in February 2023 and closed in September of 2023 (with 466 total enhanced OSTDS to be installed). The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has offered additional funding of $1,105,724.87, which will increase the number of enhanced OSTDS by 132 installations. This will be a total of 598 enhanced systems being installed in the Weeki Wachee Springs Priority Focus Area (PFA). The SUIP will provide up to $7,500 to certified septic system installers and licensed plumbers after the installation of the enhanced nitrogen-reducing features to existing septic systems and have agreed to follow policies and procedures of the Hernando County Septic Upgrade Incentive Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Grant expenditures will post to Hernando County Utilities Septic Incentive Program Contracted Services Fund: 4111 - Hernando County Utilities, Department: 33504 - HCUD-Septic Incentive PGM, Account: 5303401 and Grant Revenues to Fund: 4111 - Hernando County Utilities, Department: 33504 - Septic Incentive Program, Account: 3893502 - ST GRT-FDEP CSFA 37.039.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman's signature on...
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