Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #674FY0001 Modeling of Long-Term Environmental Impacts Resulting From Water Withdrawals
Requester:		Gene Molnar			Organization:		Lake County Water Authority
Project Title:		Modeling of Long-Term Environmental Impacts Resulting From Water Withdrawals			Date Submitted:		02/06/2001 5:09:59 PM
Sponsors:		Randy Johnson
Statewide Interest:		Water quality and Natural systems improvement to a large, regional chain of lakes
Recipient:		Lake County Water Authority			Contact:		Ron Hart
		107 N. Lake Avenue			Contact Phone:		(352) 343-3777
		Tavares 32178-1429
Counties:		Lake
Service Area:		Government Entity
Project Description:
South Lake County's lakes and aquifers are experiencing record lows. In general, lake elevations are over two and one-half feet below the modeled 100-year drought elevations. This would indicate that the water levels have been depleted far beyond even a 200-year drought. As a result, major portions of the Palatlakaha River are completely dry and the Clermont Chain has been reduced to shallow pools of water. Public access and recreation has essentially been eliminated and there is a tremendous potential impact to the natural aquatic systems. Substantial public interest has been expressed regarding the relative impact resulting from surface and ground water withdrawals. The existing water supply planning model will only predicts future impacts that have already occurred. The Lake County Water Authority, in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey, will develop a model for South Lake County that is calibrated to recent surface water elevations and Floridian aquifer pressures. The model will then be adjusted to remove existing ground water withdrawals. The end result will determine the long-term total impact of development and groundwater withdrawals to our aquatic resources. Based on these findings, local, regional, and state governmental agencies would be able to mitigate for any impacts and prevent further ecological damage.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Improved water quality; acres of native emergent wetland vegetation; acres of restored shoreline habitat
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$125,000
Identify item(s) in the Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			1591G
Specific Appropriation Title:			Grants and Aids to Local Governments and Nonprofit Organizations - Fixed Capital Outlay: Statewide Restoration Projects
Amount to be reduced:			$125,000
Fund Source:			Trust Fund
Total cost of the project:			$250,000
Request has been made to fund:				Operations
Type of funding match:		Local
	Total Cash Amount:		$125,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							No
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Unknown
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		Lake County Water Authority
	Meeting Date:		01/23/2001