July 11, 2017
Big Cypress Basin Governing Board Awards $2.1 Million in Cooperative Funding Grants
Funded projects will help improve flood protection and water quality and ensure water supply in Collier County
Naples, FL- The Big Cypress Basin Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
on Monday voted to award $2.1 million in cooperative funding grants to four flood protection, water quality restoration and water supply projects in Collier County.
"These projects will help protect residents, improve the environment of Collier County and ensure the future viability of this region," said BCB Governing Board Chairman Rick Barber. "
We are very proud to aid these municipalities and utilities in getting the water right for Big Cypress Basin
."
Since 2006, the Big Cypress Basin's Governing Board has provided financial assistance to local partners for flood protection, water quality improvement, natural system restoration and alternative water supply projects that meet the objectives of the Basin's Strategic Plan and the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan. The projects receiving cooperative funding grants include:
- The Naples Bay Restoration and Water Quality Improvements at the Cove, which consist of stormwater and ecosystem restoration through dredging, construction of a pollution-control device and installation of a living shoreline that includes native cordgrass and oyster habitat. It will also remove about 3,000 tons of contaminated marine sediments; reduce sediment transport to the bay; reduce total nitrogen by an estimated 96 pounds per year and total phosphorus by an estimated 220 pounds per year respectively and remove about 2,500 pounds per year of sediment from the stormwater system. This project received a $75,000 grant.
- The City of Naples and Collier County West Goodlette-Frank Road Area Joint Stormwater and Septic Tank Replacement project consists of the conversion of 373 residential septic tank systems to central sanitary sewer collection system and stormwater improvements. Stormwater improvements include the addition of roadside swales and inlet structures. While removing wastewater effluent from the watershed, the project will increase the volume of reclaimed water available for water supply use. The project will reduce the amount of nutrients reaching the Gordon River and Naples Bay. This project received a $1.6 million grant.
- The Collier County Lely Branch Water Control Structure project, which consists of constructing a new weir on the Lely Branch Canal just north of the Rattlesnake Hammock Road culvert crossing. The project will benefit upstream areas by limiting the need for regulated releases of floodwater during the wet season; elevating groundwater levels in the shallow aquifers; reducing over-drainage from wetlands and native habitats; and enhancing surface water levels in area lakes. This project received a $200,000 grant.
- The Collier County Golden Gate City Stormwater System Replacement project consists of construction of stormwater improvements in the 140-acre area within the northwest quadrant of Golden Gate City. This is the first phase of a multi-phased project. Benefits will include enhancing flood protection in the region; enhancing sediment removal; improving water quality; eliminating of the infiltration of silt, trash and debris into the stormwater system and increasing the storage capacity in drainage swales. This project received a $239,000 grant.
All grants are for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year beginning Oct. 1. SFWMD's Big Cypress Basin provides flood control, ensures water supply and restores natural areas in Collier County and parts of Monroe County. It includes 153 miles of canals and 45 water control structures.
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