The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board has approved a $224.8 million budget for fiscal year 2024, according to a news release.
The budget includes about $92.4 million in cooperative funding initiatives and district grants for water resources projects.
Key initiatives include:
- $65.2 million for development of alternative water supplies to ensure an adequate supply of water resources for all existing and future reasonable and beneficial uses
- $17.8 million for Watershed Management Program plans to support flood plain management decisions and initiatives, and projects to address potential and existing flooding problems
- $17.1 million for the management and improvement of critical flood control and water conservation structures, canals, culverts and levees
- $6.6 million for springs initiatives to improve water quality and clarity of springs and spring-fed rivers, as well as restore their natural habitats
Through cooperative funding partnerships, the water management district will leverage funds for a total regional investment of more than $175 million for sustainable alternative water supply development, water quality improvements and other water resource management projects, the news release says.
For the 12th straight year, the governing board adopted a millage rate that is equal to, or less than, the rolled-back millage rate.
The adopted millage rate for the coming fiscal year is 0.2043 mill, 9.6% lower than the current fiscal year. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.
The water management district’s new rate will save taxpayers an estimated $13.9 million in property taxes, according to the release.
Published October 04, 2023
