Federal Funding for the Choctawhatchee Bay
Walton County, FL – March 28, 2024 - Walton County continues environmental efforts in the Choctawhatchee Bay! On March 9, 2024, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024 became law. This law allocated $500,000 of Federal funds to complete a watershed study enabling the Army Corp of Engineers and Walton County to partner on an ecosystem restoration improvement plan for the Choctawhatchee Bay and watershed.
The Choctawhatchee River and Bay watershed covers over 5,000 square miles of northwest Florida and southern Alabama. Ecologically diverse, the watershed includes one of Florida’s largest alluvial rivers, an expansive riverine floodplain, a 129-square mile estuary, tidal marshes, and seagrass beds. Other noteworthy habitats within the watershed include coastal dune lakes, Florida aquifer springs, barrier islands and longleaf-wiregrass forests. The water also includes some of Florida’s fastest growing communities, as well as extensive public and private conservation lands.
The water resources that comprise the Choctawhatchee River and Bay watershed provide numerous functions critical to our quality of life. The watershed’s wetlands and floodplains store and regulate stormwater runoff, protecting water quality, providing flood protection, and recharging aquifers and potable water supplies. Its lakes, streams, and coastal waters sustain numerous species of fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Its springs provide windows to the aquifer below, and its wetlands and coastal barriers provide resiliency against storms and coastal change.
Congressman Neal Dunn was very instrumental in securing this funding for the Choctawhatchee watershed. With his leadership in Washington, important environmental efforts are coming to fruition.
“As a member of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition, I am very pleased to learn that we have been allocated $500,000 in federal funds to complete an important watershed study for Choctawhatchee Bay. This will allow Walton County to partner with the Army Corp of Engineers on an ecosystem restoration improvement plan for that vital waterway,” said Walton County Commissioner William ‘Boots’ McCormick. “We are especially grateful to Congressman Neal Dunn for helping to secure this funding. Protecting the ecological health of Choctawhatchee Bay is of paramount importance to Walton County and northwest Florida.”
To learn more, please contact:
Melinda Gates, Environmental Manager
117 Montgomery Circle
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Office: (850) 892-8108
Walton County, FL – March 28, 2024 - Walton County continues environmental efforts in the Choctawhatchee Bay! On March 9, 2024, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024 became law. This law allocated $500,000 of Federal funds to complete a watershed study enabling the Army Corp of Engineers and Walton County to partner on an ecosystem restoration improvement plan for the Choctawhatchee Bay and watershed.
The Choctawhatchee River and Bay watershed covers over 5,000 square miles of northwest Florida and southern Alabama. Ecologically diverse, the watershed includes one of Florida’s largest alluvial rivers, an expansive riverine floodplain, a 129-square mile estuary, tidal marshes, and seagrass beds. Other noteworthy habitats within the watershed include coastal dune lakes, Florida aquifer springs, barrier islands and longleaf-wiregrass forests. The water also includes some of Florida’s fastest growing communities, as well as extensive public and private conservation lands.
The water resources that comprise the Choctawhatchee River and Bay watershed provide numerous functions critical to our quality of life. The watershed’s wetlands and floodplains store and regulate stormwater runoff, protecting water quality, providing flood protection, and recharging aquifers and potable water supplies. Its lakes, streams, and coastal waters sustain numerous species of fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Its springs provide windows to the aquifer below, and its wetlands and coastal barriers provide resiliency against storms and coastal change.
Congressman Neal Dunn was very instrumental in securing this funding for the Choctawhatchee watershed. With his leadership in Washington, important environmental efforts are coming to fruition.
“As a member of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition, I am very pleased to learn that we have been allocated $500,000 in federal funds to complete an important watershed study for Choctawhatchee Bay. This will allow Walton County to partner with the Army Corp of Engineers on an ecosystem restoration improvement plan for that vital waterway,” said Walton County Commissioner William ‘Boots’ McCormick. “We are especially grateful to Congressman Neal Dunn for helping to secure this funding. Protecting the ecological health of Choctawhatchee Bay is of paramount importance to Walton County and northwest Florida.”
To learn more, please contact:
Melinda Gates, Environmental Manager
117 Montgomery Circle
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Office: (850) 892-8108
