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CBIRS Request 1394

Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1394

Facilitating Agricultural Management Systems (FARMS)

Requester:

David Moore, Executive Directo

Organization:

Southwest Florida Water Management District

Project Title:

Facilitating Agricultural Management Systems (FARMS)

Date Submitted

1/12/2005 3:12:46 PM

Sponsors:

Bennett

Statewide Interest:

What statewide interest does this project address as it relates to Chapter 216.052(1)? Over the past 150 years, there have been substantial changes to the Peace and Myakka River watersheds. These changes have included clearing, draining, re-contouring, and mining of lands for purposes of residential and commercial development, transportation, agriculture, recreation, timbering, power generation, ore and mineral extraction, and other land uses. These uses have required extensive withdrawals of ground and surface waters within, and adjacent to, the watershed. All these activities have cumulatively resulted in significant changes to the hydrology, water quality, and ecosystems of the watershed, particularly in the upper Peace River watershed. Additionally, agricultural water usage in the area has significantly impacted the Upper Myakka River Watershed, Shell Creek Reservoir Watershed, and Joshua Creek, all of which flow into Charlotte Harbor. In addition to aiding in the preservation of Charlotte Harbor and its related tributaries, this program is an important component of a comprehensive watershed management plan and the District's SWUCA Recovery Strategy. It will provide reasonable assurance for pollution reduction goals and protect the Shell Creek Reservoir Watershed, a Class I watershed and the only source of drinking water for the City of Punta Gorda. Additionally, the program will provide conservation and sustainability of groundwater resources for agricultural use, and provide protection to the Myakka River State Park - the second largest state park in Florida.

Recipient:

Southwest Florida Water Management District

Contact:

David Rathke, Community & Legi

2379 Broad Street

Contact Phone:

(352) 279-2834

Brooksville 34604

Contact email:

david.rathke@swfwmd.st.fl.us

Counties:

Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Sarasota

Gov't Entity:

Yes

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Project Description:

(Include services to be provided) The FARMS program is a public/private partnership program designed to sustain agriculture and water resources. There are approximately 5,000 agricultural water use permits in the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA), a 5,100 square mile area in the southern part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District where water resources are, or will become, critical in the next 20 years. FARMS is an incentive based program for the agricultural community, within the SWUCA, to expedite the implementation of agricultural BMPs that will promote surface water and ground water resource sustainability. It will provide resource benefits that include water quality improvement, reduced Floridan aquifer withdrawals, and conservation of the area's water resources and ecology. Partners in the program include the State of Florida, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and members of the agricultural community.

Is this a project related to 2004 hurricane damage?

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

This program will reduce groundwater withdrawals and improve water quality in the Southern Water Use Caution Area. Approximately 10 to 20 projects per fiscal year will be completed throughout the SWUCA. The program is an integral part of the recovery strategy in the SWUCA to help restore minimum flows and levels to the upper Peace River, slow saltwater intrusion along the west coast, and meet minimum lake levels along the Highlands Ridge. These projects will also assist in restoring natural systems in these areas.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$1,000,000

Total cost of the project:

$2,000,000

Request has been made to fund:

Construction

What type of match exists for this project?

Private, Federal

Cash Amount

In-kind Amount

$1,000,000

Was this project previously funded by the state?

Yes

Fiscal Year:

2004-2005

Amount:

$1,000,000

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

Yes

Amount:

$37,700,000

To Fund:

Construction

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

Yes

Agency

Environmental Protection, Department Of

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

SWFMD SWUCA Recovery Plan and the Shell Creek and Prairie Creek Watershed Managment Plan

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

Yes

Hearing Body:

Sarasota Legislative Delegation

Hearing Meeting Date:

11/04/2004

Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida?

Yes

Has the project been submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection?

Yes

DEP identifying number:

_swr20023033

Is this project eligible under section 403.885(5) F.S.?

Yes

Is your project addressed in a state, regional or local plan (such as a SWIM plan, Comprehensive Plan, local master plan, etc.)?

Yes

Name the plan and cite the pages on which the project is described:

Southwest Florida Water Management District SWUCA Recovery Plan and the Shell Creek and Prairie Creek Watersheds Management Plan

If you are requesting funding for a stormwater or surface water restoration project:

Which Water Management District has the jurisdiction of your project?

SWFWMD

Have you provided at least 50% match?

Yes

Match Amount:

1000000

Match Source:

SWFWMD

Will this project reduce pollutant loadings to a water management district designated 'priority' surface water body?

Yes

Name of water body:

Charlotte Harbor

Describe how it will reduce loadings, identify anticipated load reductions for total suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and other contaminants, and specify the practices that will be used to reduce loadings:

If you are requesting funding for a wastewater project:

Does your project qualify for funding from DEP's 'Small Community Wastewater Treatment Grant Program' under section 403.1838 F.S.?

Other wastewater projects:

Have you received previous legislative funding for this project?

Is the project under construction?

Have you provided at least a 25% local match?