SJRWMD Okays Design Study to Siphon from St. Johns River

The St Johns River Water Manaagreed Tuesday to help Central Florida communities design a water system that could take 55 million gallons daily from the St. Johns River. It was the District's first step to support a river withdrawal since it issued a permit last year to build a smaller but controversial project in Seminole County. Backers took pains to say they haven’t committed to build anything and will spend the next four years studying environmental issues and preparing designs.

The new project would also be in Seminole County and would involve seven utilities from Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties. Those will jointly spend $3.5 million planning a project near where Florida 46 crosses the river. The District will contribute up to $1.5 million, starting with $150,000 in the coming year.