OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County’s Lowell Municipal Water Project received another boost on July 1, when the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a $1,250,000 loan through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF). These funds, awarded with loan and principal forgiveness, will fully finance the engineering planning and design for all project phases.
The $1.25 million SRF loan comes on the heels of the county receiving a $1,000,000 appropriation in the 2025-26 state budget, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30. This appropriation reinforces the state’s commitment to addressing public health concerns and investing in essential infrastructure in Marion County.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a grant agreement with FDEP to begin construction of a public water supply system earlier this year. The agreement provides $3.5 million in state funds for the installation of a new water main, fire hydrants, valves, fittings, and related infrastructure within the Lowell community. These funds were appropriated to the county during the 2024 state legislative session…