District FY2020 Budget Funds Water Resources Projects

News Release

On Tuesday, the Southewest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board adopted a $202.7 million budget for FY2020, including more than $81 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 FY2020 budget include:

  • $25.7 million for development of alternative water supplies to ensure an adequate supply of water resources for all existing and future reasonable and beneficial uses.
  • $20.8 million for springs initiatives to restore springs and spring-fed rivers to improve water quality and clarity as well as restore natural habitats.
  • $5.7 million for water quality improvements to treat stormwater runoff before discharging directly or indirectly to water bodies.
  • $24.4 million for Watershed Management Program plans and projects to reduce flooding and improve water quality based on a comprehensive evaluation of a watershed’s historical and existing features.

Through cooperative funding partnerships, District funds are matched up to 50 percent and will result in a total regional investment of more than $146 million for sustainable alternative water supply development, water quality improvements and other water resources management projects.

The adopted FY2020 millage rate is 0.2801 mill, 5.2 percent lower than the current fiscal year which will help lessen the tax burden for Florida residents by saving taxpayers approximately $6.5 million in property taxes. For the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the District tax would be $28.01 a year, or about $2.33 per month. The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020.

Subject
Governing Board Archive