PALATKA, Fla., March 10, 2009 - In recognition of the increasing importance of potable water projects to meet fast-growing future demands, the St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board voted today to boost its support of the development of a regional saltwater desalination facility in Flagler County.

The District is partnering with several water utilities to investigate and prepare preliminary design documents for a desalination facility in the greater Flagler County area - a region known as the Coquina Coast. During today's vote, the Board agreed to allocate $9.8 million in additional funds toward the endeavor.

Flagler County was designated as an area where groundwater alone will not be sufficient to meet projected water supply needs without causing harm to water resources and related natural systems. In 2005, the District and all governments with water supply systems in Flagler County endorsed an agreement to develop a countywide water supply plan. Upon completion of that plan in 2007, local government cooperators determined that seawater desalination would be the most feasible alternative water supply project to pursue.

Initially, the District agreed to provide up to $2.5 million in cost-share funding and administrative services for the development of a detailed plan for a seawater desalination facility, and $5 million for construction. Recognizing the importance of the Coquina Coast project to the region, District staff recommended increasing the $5 million construction allocation to $14.8 million, or a $9.8 million increase. The action reflects the importance the District places on this desalination effort.

The District's share of the preliminary design funding will cover 30 percent of the costs for the project's first two phases, which is scheduled to be completed by 2013. Construction is targeted to be completed by 2017.

The partners in the agreement are the District; the Water Authority of Volusia; Flagler, Marion and St. Johns counties; Dunes Community Development District; and the cities of Palm Coast, DeLand, Mount Dora; and the towns of Leesburg, Bunnell and Flagler Beach.