Martin County Receives $2 Million for Water Quality Project
Senator Gayle Harrell Championed Funding Request
STUART, Fla (July 15, 2022) – With strong support from Senator Gayle Harrell, Martin County was recently awarded an appropriations earmark through the Fiscal Year 2022/23 budget in the amount of $2 million to eliminate 22 commercial septic systems and service county landfill operations. “The reduction and elimination of septic systems is one tangible way we can proactively improve the health of our environment,” said Don Donaldson, Martin County Administrator. “And the funding approved by Governor DeSantis and the legislature shows their commitment to enhancing water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary and complements the county’s existing Connect to Protect program to convert 10,000 septic systems in 10 years,” he continued.
By eliminating these commercial septic systems and drain fields, the project will enhance water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary by helping achieve the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) goals for nutrient criteria. The reduction of nutrients will also contribute toward the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) goals as well as complement the state’s Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program. Additionally, the county will be able to convert an increased amount of water to reuse-quality water for irrigation.
“Working with Martin County and the Martin County Delegation, I was pleased to sponsor this important budget item. It will have a significant impact on enhancing water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary. Our rivers and estuaries are truly the treasures of the Treasure Coast,” Senator Gayle Harrell said.
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners, Leadership team and staff work to advance the legislative priorities of the county at the state and federal levels while building diverse partnerships across state and federal agencies, regional local government entities and community stakeholders, as well as our Martin County legislative delegation. “Working alongside Senator Harrell as she supported this request further strengthened relationships with agencies that are working toward enhanced protections for Florida’s precious resources,” added Legislative Coordinator James Kennedy.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.martin.fl.us, Martin County’s online resource for services, news and information. Residents and visitors can connect with us on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
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