New Governing Board member takes oath

News Release

Henry Paul Senft took his oath of office Tuesday to serve on the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board.

Senft was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to a newly created seat representing Polk County. The Governing Board was previously made up of 11 seats. Last year the State Legislature added two new seats for a total of 13. Senft’s term ends March 1, 2011.

The Haines City resident is the owner of Townsend-Senft Consulting and Insurance Inc.

Senft feels his leadership in developing a water alliance among Polk County’s 17 municipalities while serving on the Polk County Commission has given him the necessary experience to represent the county on the Governing Board. He believes strongly in a cooperative, regional approach to meeting the long-term water supply needs of the growing region. His experience with regional water alliances with the Toho Water Authority and with challenges of developing alternate water sources will also serve him well on the Governing Board.

He will also serve as the co-chair ex officio of the Peace River Basin Board.

Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The Governing Board sets policy for the District, whose mission is to manage the water and related resources of west central Florida to meet the needs of current and future water users while protecting the environment. Each Governing Board member also serves as chair ex officio of a Basin Board.

The District has eight regional Basin Boards that provide guidance for local programs that are specific to the watershed basins they protect. The District’s ninth basin, the Green Swamp, is administered by the Governing Board. Basin Boards work with local governments and other entities on water resource projects that have an impact in local communities. Basin Boards often provide partial funding for these projects in partnership with a local government or local cooperator.