Agenda Item Name:
Title
Update on Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Groundwater Recharge Wetland Project
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Presenter:
Kristen Sealy, Engineer and Utility Designer IV, Department of Water/Wastewater Engineering for GRU, 352-393-1621; Rick Hutton, Supervising Engineer and Utility Designer, Sustainability Department for GRU, 352-393-1218; and Jason Maurer, Parks and Opens Space Director for Alachua County, 352-213-4796
Description:
Staff will provide an update on the progress of the groundwater recharge wetland project which GRU is constructing in order to increase recharge to the Floridan Aquifer. The project includes a partnership with Alachua County for providing public access and park facilities.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
City Commission and Board of County Commissioners receive a presentation from staff.
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Prior Board Motions:
N/A
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Funding for the groundwater recharge wetland project has already been approved by the city commission. The construction of the wetland project is expected to cost between $8 and $10 million. This amount does not include Alachua County expenditures for public access/park facilities.
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Goal 2 - Sustainable Community
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Background:
The groundwater recharge wetland project is being constructed with cost share funding from the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The wetland will receive reclaimed water from the Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility and recharge the Floridan aquifer with high-quality, low-nutrient water, and will provide an environmental benefit by supporting flows at the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and area springs. The project is part of the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan and is integral to our community's water resource management plan. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project will provide cost-...
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