Florida allows grants and loans for eight potable water system upgrade projects

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has granted around $19m to eight local drinking water systems under its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program.

Awarded under the initial round of funding for financial year 2015-16, the financing is expected to help the local water systems in upgrading their infrastructure and improve drinking water quality.

The drinking water system operators, who have secured the funds in loans and grants, are from Haines City, the town of Ponce Inlet, Orange City, Lake Worth, Lighthouse Utilities, Gasparilla Island Water Association, Marianna and Wildwood.

Upgrade works under the projects will include installation of wells, replacement of old pipelines, improvements for drinking water facility and distribution system and capacity expansion of water treatment facilities.

The financing help for the potable water projects in the state are offered at below-market interest rate under the SRF program, which ensures low costs for the ratepayers.

Florida DEP secretary Jon Steverson said: "Investing in our drinking-water infrastructure is essential to ensuring a dependable, healthy water supply for our residents.

"This funding program helps local governments make these vital investments in our communities."

Earlier this month, the state DEP has also forwarded $15.4m to Miami-Dade County under the SRF program to improves the drinking water distribution system in the county.

The financing will be used by the county to replace and relocate outdated water mains and service conversions for the Shenandoah neighbourhood.

The SRF program is funded by federal grants, state matching funds, loan repayments and interest earnings.

Florida DEP has nearly $169m available under the program for the current financial year 2015-16, which will be allocated for drinking water improvement projects.

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Image: DEP offers loans and grants under the SRF program at below-market interest rates. Photo: courtesy of pigdevilphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net