Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves $47,000 membership/grant for Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority after debate
Summary
The commission approved a county funding agreement with the regional water authority — $47,000 for water‑conservation grants and irrigation‑evaluation programs — after a detailed discussion on regional planning, alternative water supplies and why county participation matters.
The Hernando County Commission approved a grant agreement and membership contribution of $47,000 to the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority (WRWSA), a multi‑county body that supports regional water planning, conservation programs and development of alternative supplies.
Susanna Folsom, WRWSA executive director, outlined the authority’s activities: administering a small grants program for conservation projects, running a residential irrigation‑evaluation program that targets the county’s highest residential water users, and coordinating regional planning so alternative supplies — such as surface‑water treatment or regional well fields — can be developed on an economies‑of‑scale basis. Hernando’s contribution pays for the county’s share of those programs and enables the authority to apply for state alternative‑water‑supply grants on behalf of participating local governments.
Commission debate was wide‑ranging. Several commissioners questioned whether the authority duplicates Water Management District (SWFWMD) functions and whether the county could accomplish the same tasks internally. WRWSA representatives and county staff said WRWSA performs convening, grant management and regional project development functions that SWFWMD (the regulatory district) does not provide in the same way; the authority can be a project sponsor that helps local governments access limited district and state funding. WRWSA also operates a pilot irrigation‑evaluation program that participants say reduces household use by roughly 40% and helps change household behavior.
After discussion, the board approved the $47,000 funding for the authority and asked staff to ensure clear reporting of how funds are spent and whether projects return measurable reductions in demand.
Ending: The board approved the agreement and asked staff to return with regular updates on program outcomes and any regional planning steps that affect county service areas.
