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M M program is approved, the entire $30,000 may not be spent in the 89-90 fiscal year; this is dependent upon the number of flow wells identified by the district and the number of those proposed for plugging. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS: Free flowing artesian wells have long been identified as a problem. With the dependence of county residents on the shallow aquifer as a source of potable water, plugging flow wells is particularly important for this area. The cost sharing program provides an inventive for the district to plug wells in the county. By sharing the cost, additional resources are available to solve the flow well problem. Not only doesartici ation in the p p program provide more money to combat the problem; but it also commits the district to spend funds on well plugging in Indian River County something that would be less likely without cost-sharing program participation. Even if the program is implemented, uncapped flow wells to be plugged must be identified. The district, however, does not believe that will be a problem. Through its records and assistance from the Soil Conservation Service, the Environmental Health Department, and county departments as well as local -residents, a substantial number of flow wells can be identified. :`It is staff's opinion that the well -plugging, cost-sharing program is a good opportunity for the county. Not only can the county get a local problem resolved through participation in this program; -but it can do so at a reasonable cost. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners agree to ,,_.participate in the SJRWMD cost-sharing, well plugging program and agree to authorize $30,000 to fund the program for FY 89-90. i Commissioner Bowman thought this had been an on-going program for a good many years and that St. Johns subcontracted this work. Since they are a taxing district, she wished to know why they need $30,000 from us to fund this program for FY 89/90. Commissioner Scurlock confirmed that St. Johns does have a well capping program and they are actively capping wells, but he believed they are looking for funds to expand and accelerate the program. He noted that the plugging of these wells is one of the greatest things you can do to prolong the availability of the ground water supply in the county and commented that at one time he had discussed with Utilities Director Pinto whether, from the standpoint of our water system, there might be some funds available out of our enterprise fund to participate in this program since what we are doing is protecting the water supply. 17 BOOK �� F'��rE 17