Tampa Bay Region - Southwest Florida Water Management District

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Project Name
Project Number
Cooperator
Department
Contact Person
Address
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
FY2014 COOPERATIVE FUNDING INITIATIVE APPLICATION FORM
Hillsborough River Dam and Harney Canal Diversion Facilities for Lower Hillsborough River Minimum
Flow
N492
Tampa Water Department
Brian Pickard
7125 N 30th St
City Sate Zip Tampa, FL 33610
Phone # 813-480-5192
Email
brian.pickard@tampagov.net
Project Type:
Water Supply Water Quality Flood Protection X Natural Systems
Strategic Initiatives:
Water Quality Maintenance and Improvement Water Quality Monitoring
Alternative Water Supply Conservation
Reclaimed Water Regional Water Supply Planning
Emergency Flood Response Floodplain Management
Minimum Flows and Level Establishment and Monitoring
X Minimum Flows and Levels Recovery
Natural Systems Conservation and Restoration Natural Systems Identification and Monitoring
Indicate All Counties to Benefit From Project:
Charlotte Citrus Desoto Hardee Hernando Highlands X Hillsborough Lake
Levy Manatee Marion Pasco Pinellas Sarasota Sumter Polk
Project Description:
A Lower Hillsborough River (LHR) minimum flow Rule and associated LHR Recovery Strategy have been adopted by the
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD.) The SWFWMD has determined the Rule and Recovery Strategy will
have measurable benefits towards promoting and restoring the natural characteristics and hydrologic functions of the LHR.
A key component of the LHR Recovery Strategy involves diversion of water from the Tampa Bypass Canal (TBC) to the LHR at the
base of the Hillsborough River Dam. This requires permanent facilities be constructed near TBC Structure 161 and the City’s Dam.
The City is dedicated to construct these facilities with SWFWMD as an ongoing cooperator. The following excerpts from an existing
cooperative funding agreement summarize the City’s understanding of the District’s intent:
1) “…the DISTRICT desires to assist the CITY in funding projects that will enable the CITY to meet its obligations under the
Recovery Strategy within the time schedule set forth…”
2) “The District agrees to make available to the City [up to] $22,250,000 in joint funding for projects designed to achieve the
requirements of the minimum flows for the Lower Hillsborough River.”
Since this agreement also states “…the parties have agreed that it is in their best interests to work cooperatively to achieve the
requirements and goals of the Recovery Strategy,” the City has proceeded with preliminary design of the subject diversion facilities.
This effort includes a detailed alternatives analysis to determine the best infrastructure configuration at each site to meet the
Recovery Strategy objectives.
The City looks forward to continuing its cooperative relationship with SWFWMD and implementing the LHR Recovery Strategy as
soon as possible while utilizing the most cost effective approach feasible.
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