Below is information sent out by the SRWMD which includes plans to upgrade the infrastructure around Rum Island Spring. It is unclear who requested the funds and who decided on the repairs needed.
Rum Island Park has been in the news lately as the County has been wringing its hands because of parking problems and over-use. Some of the commissioners want to shed responsibility of the park by finding another group or agency to take possession.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Communications Office | Suwannee River Water Management District |
386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (FL) | SRWMDCommunications@SRWMD.org | www.MySuwanneeRiver.com
LIVE OAK, FLA., AUGUST 15, 2024 – The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board on Tuesday approved more than $550,000 in local projects designed to enhance or address water resources in the region.
The four projects approved were part of the Regional Initiative Valuing Environmental Resources (RIVER) program that focuses on water supply, water quality, flood protection, and/or natural systems core missions.
Since 2013, the District has funded 81 RIVER projects, totaling approximately $8.7 million.
“The RIVER program provides an opportunity for local governments to obtain cost-share funding for projects that foster our core mission,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “These projects are great examples of how local partnerships can support protection and restoration of our water resources.”
The approved projects include:
- Cross City Flood Management Improvements – Cross City – This $66,891 project will improve the stormwater management system located west of Ruth Rains Middle School on the west side of County Road 351.
- Holly Hills Stormwater Pond Improvements – Archer – This $55,930 project provides a match for additional stormwater management features to mitigate flooding.
- Rum Island, Stabilization and Boardwalk – Columbia County – This $212,900 project will repair the previously installed erosion system, provide additional riverbank stabilization, and protect 117 linear feet of the spring pool bank.
- Oakmont Reclaimed Water Extension, Phase 6 – Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) – This $226,542 project provides a 50 percent match to extend reclaimed water lines to 158 homes, plus common areas, to offset 0.055mgd of groundwater for irrigation.
