Citrus County has received a $4.14 million grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to help offset homeowner special assessment costs tied to the Cambridge Greens septic-to-sewer project in Citrus Hills. The grant will be formally accepted by county commissioners at their next meeting.
The Cambridge Greens subdivision was identified as a source of nutrient loading to groundwater and surface water within the Kings Bay springshed, according to the county’s water resources director. The septic-to-sewer project is part of Citrus County Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) to achieve pollutant reductions in local waters. This project will help homeowners in the area who could have faced expenses of over $10,000 to connect to the sewer system.
The Springs Initiative funding from DEP will assist Cambridge Greens homeowners with the costs associated with connecting to the sewer system, including permit, plumbing, connection, and proper abandonment or removal of the old septic tank. Citrus County should continue to pursue every opportunity for public funding to assist homeowners and protect springs and water quality.
Homeowners in other areas of the county may also benefit from similar funding opportunities as the county continues to work towards improving water quality. The county is home to three of Florida’s 30 impaired springs groups, and much of the county is considered a springshed, making it crucial to protect water quality.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
