Cost-share project applications accepted now through Oct. 19

District REDI/Innovative cost-share funds were awarded to Palatka in fiscal year 2016-2017 toward a backup generator to prevent loss of electrical supply to its wastewater treatment plant.

PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 19, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through Oct. 19 to share in $3.6 million in cost-share funding for Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and innovative projects that support the agency’s core missions. The submission deadline has been extended to Oct. 19 due to Hurricane Irma.

Project proposals considered for funding should help benefit water supply (including water conservation, alternative water supplies, and maintenance and enhancement of REDI community water distribution systems and water resource development), improve water quality, provide flood protection, or protect or enhance natural systems.

Project criteria, application instructions and additional information about the program are available on the district’s website at www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/.

District staff will evaluate each project to determine which provide the most beneficial water resource results and can be constructed in a timely and efficient manner. Staff will then prepare a recommended list for board approval in December 2017.

An innovative project is one that uses emerging or proven technology in a unique way to promote alternative water supply development or to expand available quantities to offset groundwater withdrawal, or to otherwise demonstrate projects to improve the water resources of the district in support of the agency’s core missions.

A REDI community is economically disadvantaged with an employment base dominated by traditional agriculture or resource-based industries and a population of 25,000 or less. REDI-designated counties within the district’s boundary (in whole or part) include Baker, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and Okeechobee, all communities within those counties (as long as they reside within the district’s boundary), in addition to the communities of Astatula, Fellsmere, Hastings, Hawthorne, Mascotte, Pierson and Umatilla.