The Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) has received funding from The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Division of Water Restoration Assistance for two important springs restoration projects.

Nearly $10 million awarded to HCUD for FDEP springs restoration projects

FDEP awarded $3.7 million dollars to upgrade the Glen Water Reclamation Facility located at 11354 Hexam Road in Brooksville. This funding will be used to achieve the advanced wastewater treatment standards for total nitrogen (3mg/l) as required by the Weeki Wachee Basin Management Action Plan. This is important because it helps to lower the amount of nitrogen to the Weeki Wachee Springs.

Additionally, $6.25 million was allocated to a multi-year project which upgrades and expands the Airport Water Reclamation Facility located at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport industrial park on Downwind Way. This project will also achieve the advanced wastewater treatment standards for nitrogen as well as expand the infrastructure necessary to meet the increasing needs of Hernando County residents and businesses.

“We are thrilled to have received these funds in Hernando County,” said HCUD Director Gordon Onderdonk. “These are two very important projects that will help to protect our water resources for years to come.”

The Division of Water Restoration Assistance provides funding assistance for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state’s water resources. The division works closely with the water management districts, local governments and other stakeholders to identify and implement springs projects that achieve restoration goals.

Contact HCUD at (352) 754-4037 or visit https://floridadep.gov/springs/restoration-funding for more information on these projects.