Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 2, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Ed Torres, M.S., P.E., LEED AP, Director, Utilities
CONTACT: Kerry Kates, P.E., LEED AP, Deputy Director, Utilities
PHONE: 407-254-9801
DIVISION: Fiscal and Operational Support Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of Agreement for Process to Issue an Agricultural Use Consumptive Use Permit to East Central Florida Services among the City of Cocoa, East Central Florida Services, Inc., Orange County, Orlando Utilities Commission, and Tohopekaliga Water Authority. All Districts. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: In August 2017, the Board approved one letter to the Governing Board Chair of the St. Johns River Water Management District ("SJRWMD") and five agreements relating to development of the regional alternative water supply project known as the "Taylor Creek Reservoir/St. Johns River Water Supply Project" (the "Project"), settling the dispute over using the Taylor Creek Reservoir ("TCR") for public water supply. It is anticipated that this regionally significant Project will provide up to 54 million gallons per day (MGD) of surface water for public supply, with Orange County expected to receive an allocation of up to 15 MGD. By alleviating reliance on groundwater, the Project will reduce negative impacts associated with aquifer drawdown within the Central Florida Water Initiative planning area, while simultaneously supporting increased water demands.
The comprehensive Project agreements are intended to establish the framework for implementing the Project. As part of the Project agreements, East Central Florida Services (“ECFS”) provided a temporary Consumptive Use Permit ("CUP") to utilize water supply for agricultural use from the TCR until the Project could be permitted. Because this CUP is temporary, SJRWMD is no longer willing to sign monthly renewals, resulting in the need for ECFS to apply for a new agricultural CUP.
This Agreement for Process to Issue an Agricultural Use Consumptive Use Permit to East Central Florida Services (“Agreement”) consents to ECFS seeking a 3-year duration CUP from SJRWMD where quantities are to remain the same (withdrawal up to 2.71 million gallons). The Agreement contains several protections which prevent ECFS from gaining prior use rights that would impact the viability of the Project and the ability to provide water to the Agreement parties.
The County Attorney’s Office staff reviewed the agreement and find it acceptable as to form. Utilities Department staff recommends approval.
BUDGET: N/A