Grant Details
Two grants have been made available to the City of Tallahassee to help cover the costs of hooking up to sewer and to educate the public on the importance of this Sewer Over Septic initiative. These grants are focused on those properties within the Priority Focus area, are located in the city limits, and that already have sewer available. Download the Eligibility Form to see if you qualify.
The City has estimated approximately 130 properties are located within the Wakulla Springs Priority Focus Area inside Tallahassee’s city limits. Information on how certain septic tanks can negatively affect Wakulla Springs can be found here.
Press Release: Northwest Florida Springs approved to receive more then $19 million in funding
Two Grants Received to Implement the Sewer Over Septic Project
1. Connection Grant
During the 2016–2017 legislative session, the State of Florida awarded over $56M for springs restoration projects — the highest amount ever provided for Florida’s springs. These projects were included in the state’s “FLORIDA FIRST” budget. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) awarded $637,000 to connect approximately 130 properties currently on septic tanks to the existing central sewer within the Priority Focus Area inside Tallahassee’s city limits. The City of Tallahassee is working with the NWFWMD to manage the project during the next few years. But don’t wait; funds are available on a first come, first serve basis.
2. Outreach Grant
The FDEP also partners with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer the 319 Nonpoint Source Management grant program. FDEP awarded the City of Tallahassee $100,000 in 319 grant funds to provide outreach to support the Sewer Over Septic connection grant above, and to help educate the public on how local septic systems, in certain areas, can have a negative impact on Wakulla Springs. This grant will fund the design and distribution of education material and promotional media. To find out more about beautiful Wakulla Springs, check out these links: