FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2004
CONTACT: Lisa Douglass, (239) 332-6975
                  Linda McBride, (352) 796-7211

Punta Gorda Water Supply Receives Added Protection

--Management plan protects Shell and Prairie Creek watersheds--

PUNTA GORDA—The City of Punta Gorda water supply today received added protection as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) signed the Shell and Prairie Creek Watershed Management Plan at the City of Punta Gorda Water Treatment Plant.

“This partnership further protects the watershed and improves water quality in the Punta Gorda area,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “By protecting one of our most vital resources, we are ensuring a safe and healthy supply of water for Southwest Florida.”

A primary source of drinking water for Punta Gorda residents, water quality within the Shell and Prairie Creek watersheds will be protected to meet the highest water quality standards. The management plan identifies future plans, projects and best farming practices to improve water quality in the City of Punta Gorda's in-stream, potable water supply reservoir. The plan was designed by a group of 18 state and local governments, private agricultural interests and associations formed three years ago.

“What an exciting example of people working together to solve problems,” said District Executive Director David Moore. “The legacy of this cooperation will be a healthy water resource that benefits everyone and a template for addressing future water resource concerns.”

Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida has invested more than $1.8 billion to clean up stormwater pollution, upgrade drinking water facilities and improve wastewater treatment, funding more than 700 projects statewide.