Notice of Availability of Grant Funds

The Northwest Florida Water Management District (District) announces the availability of funds under its Florida Forever Competitive Grant Program for capital improvement projects meeting the objectives of The Florida Forever Act (Section 259.105, Florida Statutes) and the Florida Forever Water Management District Work Plan (Section 373.199, Florida Statutes).

The goal of this grant program is to support water resource management efforts that improve water quality, in particular, but also those that implement stormwater improvements, restore natural systems, demonstrate best management practices, or implement water reuse. Project proposals should clearly demonstrate water resource value.

The District seeks proposals from government entities within the jurisdiction of the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s 16-county area for cooperative or cost-share capital improvement projects that can be completed within 24 months of grant agreement execution. Applications are due at District Headquarters no later than Monday, September 25, 2006.

Parties interested in applying are strongly encouraged to attend the Florida Forever workshop at Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach, on July 20, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. The workshop will discuss grant application requirements as well as general procedures and guidelines through project completion. A follow-up workshop will also be held on August 29, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., at the District Headquarters in Midway.

The full text of this notice, the application form, and additional information can be found on the District’s homepage at http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/ under the link entitled “Florida Forever Capital Improvement Grants.” Printed or electronic copies of the application form and grant program information are available upon request. For more information call Christina Coger or Paul Thorpe, (850)539-5999 or (800)913-1518.