On Tuesday, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board adopted a $176.3 million budget for FY2019, including approximately $66 million for the Cooperative Funding Initiative and District grants for water resources projects.
The budget reflects the District’s commitment to protect Florida’s water resources and to improve Florida’s economic vitality. Some of the key initiatives in the District’s FY2019 budget includes:
- $52.1 million for water supply initiatives to ensure an adequate supply of water resources for all existing and future reasonable and beneficial uses. This includes regional water supply planning, alternative water supplies, reclaimed water, conservation and agricultural Best Management Practices.
- $2.6 million for springs initiatives to restore springs and spring-fed rivers to improve water quality and clarity and restore natural habitats.
- $5.3 million for water quality improvements to treat stormwater runoff before discharging directly or indirectly to water bodies.
- $36.2 million for flood protection activities to minimize flood damage to protect people, property, infrastructure and investment.
Through cooperative funding partnerships, District funds are matched up to 50 percent and will result in a total regional investment of more than $129 million for sustainable alternative water supply development and other water resource management projects.
The adopted FY2019 millage rate is 0.2955 mill, 5.6 percent lower than the current fiscal year. For the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the District tax would be $29.55 a year, or about $2.46 per month. The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019.