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Grant Agreement With State Department of Environmental Protection for Sewer Connection Incentive Program and Associated Budget Resolution
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Weeki Wachee Springs and River have been identified as impaired by high nitrate from numerous sources, including septic systems. A Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) was established, including a priority focus area (PFA). The State of Florida has mandated reductions in discharge of nitrogen to groundwater within the BMAP. Hernando County is developing a Sewer Connection Incentive Program which will be funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The project is one of several designed to lower the discharge of nitrogen to groundwater within the Weeki Wachee Basin Management Action Plan through elimination of onsite treatment and disposal systems by connection to central sewer systems.
This FDEP Grant No. LPF2702 provides $250,000 to fund connection to central sewers for homes with existing onsite treatment and disposal systems that meet the definition of service "available", as defined in Florida Statutes, subsection 381.0065(2)(a). In short, available for a home means that a gravity sewer main is adjacent to the property in an easement or right-of-way and the sewage from the home can flow by gravity through a sewer lateral to the main line. The grant provides cost reimbursement to homeowners of up to $7,500. Sewer connection fees can be covered by the grant. This program becomes available upon execution of the attached Grant Agreement and expires June 30, 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The attached budget resolution will add grant funding for the Sewer Connection Incentive Program as follows: $250,000.00 to the Grant Revenue Account #4133-33506-3893502 (ST GRT-FDEP CSFA37.039) and $250,000.00 to the Grant Expenditure Account 4133-33506-5304927 (Fee/Cost-Sewr Con Inc Pgm)
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to approve this item pursuant to Chapter 125 Florida Statutes...
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