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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 will implement a Septic Upgrade Incentive Program (SUIP) to help lower the amount of nutrients in the Weeki Wachee Springs. The program will encourage homeowners to voluntarily remediate existing conventional Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) to include nitrogen reducing enhancements. The eligible properties must be in Hernando County and within the Priority Focus Area (PFA) of the Weeki Wachee Springs BMAP.
Additionally, properties are not eligible if they are in areas designated for sewer connection or participated in the previous Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) run SUIP. The SUIP will provide up to $7500 to certified septic system installers and licensed plumbers after the installation of the enhanced nitrogen-reducing features to existing septic systems. Funding for this project is through the FDEP totaling $2,796,111.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Grant expenditures will post to Hernando County Utilities Septic Incentive Program Contracted Services Account No. 4111-33504-5303401 and Grant Revenues to Hernando County Utilities-Septic Incentive Program-ST GRT-FDEP CSFA 37.039 Account No. 4111-33504-3893502.
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 the attached State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement for Septic Upgrade Incentive Program Agreement No. LPF2701. It is further recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached associated budget resolution.