SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of the FY 2026-27 Stormwater Education and Water Use Efficiency Plans (Budget Impact - Neutral)
Body
|
INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
|
Steven Cohoon, P.E., County Engineer |
Office of the County Engineer |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The stormwater education plan outlines the proposed budgeted educational and outreach activities planned for FY 2026-27 consisting of: a media campaign utilizing billboards to raise awareness of stormwater pollution and associated behaviors; an educational calendar addressing Marion County’s water resources with pollution prevention tips; a 5K run to engage businesses and the community in springs awareness; and other initiatives meeting and/or exceeding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for stormwater education and outreach.
The water use efficiency plan outlines the proposed budgeted educational and outreach activities for FY 2026-27 consisting of: irrigation evaluations; irrigation and landscape retrofits; community workshops; distribution of water conserving retrofit kits; and other initiatives meeting and/or exceeding the Board of County Commissioners’ water use permit requirements for water conservation. The focus of the program is to educate public and domestic self-supply users about using water more efficiently and to offer incentives for measurable water savings.
While some grants are already identified with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority (WRWSA), other grants are also being sought through the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral. See details in plans.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve the FY 2026-27 Stormwater Education and Water Use Efficiency Plans.
end