Introduction (From DCA)
The 2005 Florida Legislature
enacted landmark growth management legislation that will impact the
quality of life in Florida for years to come. Senate Bills 360 and
444 contained significant modifications to Chapter 163, Part II (the
state’s growth management statute), as well as Chapters 373 and
403 with regard to water supply. Specifically with regard to water
supply, the legislation:
Better coordinates local
government comprehensive planning with water management districts’
regional water supply plans, which are currently being updated.
Establishes a closer link
between development decisions and the availability of water by requiring
local government to determine whether adequate water supplies will
be available no later than issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Provides for more comprehensive
regional water supply plans, permitting incentives for development
of alternative water supplies, and alternative water supply development
funding assistance.
Provides $200 million
for fiscal year 2005-06 to fund alternative water supply water projects
($100 million), TMDLs ($50 million), the SWIM Program ($25 million)
and the Disadvantaged Small Community Wastewater Program ($25 million).
Beginning with the 2006-07 fiscal year, the annual funding will drop
to $100 million, with $60 million of that being for alternative water
supply development.
The state’s water
management districts are currently updating their respective regional
water supply plans. During development of those plans, local governments
and other water suppliers should meet and interact closely with water
management district staff. Under the new legislation, local governments
subject to a regional water supply plan must identify alternative
water supply projects necessary to meet existing and future development
needs. By working with the districts during the update of the plans,
local governments and water suppliers will have an opportunity to
provide input on water supply projects that they want to be included
in the plan, as well as learn of other projects under consideration
by the district for inclusion in the updated plan.
Local governments should
contact their water management district(s) to inquire about upcoming
meetings and other opportunities to obtain information from district
staff on its progress in updating the regional water supply plan(s)
applicable to the local government. Please see the answers to Questions
20-21 for the names and contact information of water management district
staff involved in the plan updates and alternative water supply funding.
