Senator Wilton Simpson submitted an appropriations request of $400,000 to fund the design and permitting phase of the Weeki Wachee River Channel Restoration Project which is part of the SWFWMD Weeki Wachee SWIM Plan.
The funding has been approved and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is working to secure a consulting firm to begin feasibility and design on October 1, 2017.
The restoration project aims to:
• Improve fish and wildlife quality by “Preservation and enhancement of submerged aquatic vegetation and benthic habitat” and the “Monitoring of areas at and downstream of restoration improvements.”
• Improve navigability by deepening the channel.
• Improve surface water quality by reduction of sediment and muck suspension. There will be areas monitored at and downstream of restoration improvements.
Future legislative funding requests are likely to complete the project after the design and permitting stage. It’s estimated that in FY 19 $680,000 will be requested followed by $4.9 Million in FY 20 and $50,000 in FY 21.
County ad valorem is suggested to be used as a revenue source for ongoing operating funds for the project.
Project design is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2019. A Joint Environmental Resource Permit (FDEP/USACE Individual) will be required along with Hernando County Port Authority Authorization.
The estimated completion date of construction is Oct. 31, 2021.