2008 WORK PROGRAM SUMMARY

Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority
2008 FYE Work Program

1.   Joint Funding of Water Supply Projects with Member Local Governments.

The Authority Board will continue its grant program to assist local governments in developing local water supply projects.  Since its inception in FY 1999-2000, the Authority has appropriated $906,631 to local government projects in the region. During the 2007-08 FY, the Board has agreed to appropriate another $125,000 toward local government water supply projects.  Proposals will be considered from any member local government in the Authority's jurisdiction.  A copy of the grant program guidelines is attached for review.

2.  Development of a Regional Water Conservation Program

The Authority completed during 2002 the development of a Regional Water Conservation Public Information Program in conjunction with the University of Florida’s School of Advertising.  As part of the implementation of the program, the Authority developed and placed into operation its website (www.wrwsa.org). The Authority has funded County water conservation programs in Hernando, Citrus and Sumter Counties. The Authority will continue its support of water conservation by placing the highest priority on local government grants that focus on water conservation programs. As part of its water resource studies, the Authority will analyze the per capita consumption of water in all of the local governments within the region to establish baseline consumption figures against which future water conservation programs can be measured.

3.   Tracking Water Resource Legislation During the 2008 Legislative Session that is of Interest to the Withlacoochee Region.

The Authority contracted during FY 2002-03 for a Legislative Consultant to track legislation on water supply, water management districts and other water resource issues. The Authority has focused its attention on tracking any attempts to weaken or abolish the “Local Sources First” permitting requirements adopted by the 1997 Legislature. The Authority approved the continuation of its contract with the Legislative Consultant for additional work during the 2008 legislative session.

4.   Cooperative Funding with SWFWMD to Expand Analysis of Water Supply in the Region

The Authority will receive $150,000 from SWFWMD to take the water supply projects identified in the Phase I 2005 Regional Water Supply Master Plan Update and prepare a more detailed feasibility analysis of each project. As part of the feasibility analysis, the Authority will work to recruit “partners” to implement the water supply projects identified in the Master Plan. The funds from SWFWMD will be matched by appropriations of $150,000 from the Authority.

5.   Cooperative Funding with SWFWMD to Analyze Impacts of MFLs to Existing and Future Water Supply Facilities
           
The Authority will receive $75,000 from SWFWMD to analyze the impact of SWFWMD’s proposed minimum flows and levels (MFL) to be set on rivers, lakes, springs and the aquifer in the Withlacoochee Region over the next 10 years. If existing wellfields or future planned wellfields negatively impact resources such as lakes, springs or rivers when MFLs are set on those facilities, it is important for both the Authority and the impacted local government to know this as quickly as possible in order to make necessary changes to avoid those impacts.

6.   Continuation of Cooperation with Citrus County in Operation of the Authority's Charles A. Black Wellfield and Water Supply Facility (CABWSF).

The CAB Water Supply Facility is currently operating and supplying water to the Citrus system.  The Authority will continue to cooperate with Citrus County in the maintenance and permitting for the wells and the treatment facility per our operation and maintenance contract with Citrus County.