DEP Provides $5.6M For New Wastewater Collection System In Springfield

Project will reduce strain on wastewater system, and protect public health and environment

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded the city of Springfield $5.6M to rehabilitate the city's wastewater collection system. The project was funded through the state's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan program.

"We are proud to work with local communities like Springfield to provide funding assistance for infrastructure replacement projects," said Drew Bartlett, DEP deputy secretary for ecosystems restoration. "Projects like this help protect public health and our environment."

Recently, the city of Springfield held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which consists of rehabilitating and constructing a new gravity sewer, and reducing the amount of stormwater entering the city's collection system by replacing deteriorating infrastructure. A significant portion of the $5.6M loan, $4.1M, has principal forgiveness and does not need to be repaid by the community.

"We are grateful to DEP for funding to assist the city with this pipe replacement," said Donald "Lee" Penton, Springfield city clerk. "Our residents and community will certainly benefit by having a reliable sewer system that won't harm the environment."

The CWSRF Program has awarded approximately $1.1B in funding for nearly 120 wastewater and stormwater improvement projects during the past five years, and a total of $4B in loan funds since its inception in 1989. The program is funded by federal grants, state matching funds, loan repayments and interest earnings. For more information, visit DEP's Water Project Funding webpage (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/).

About DEP's Division of Water Restoration Assistance
The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing loans and grants for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state's water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. Projects in several program areas are funded that improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and groundwater, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, nourish beaches and reclaim mined land. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/.