INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
September, 2005 PACE EH Report

To:             Daniel Parker, MSP, GAL
                    Assistant Division Director, Division of Environmental Health

From:         Julianne Renk, Environmental Specialist

Through:     Cheryl L. Dunn, RS, Environmental Manager

Subject:     September 2005 Wabasso PACE EH Grant Update

Perhaps the most noteworthy accomplishment this month was the news of the long sought septic grant for West Wabasso. A local grant writer, named Louise Hubbard, helped us get this grant and it is in the amount of $40,000 to be used to replace and install ten septic systems in West Wabasso. Since the inception of PACE in West Wabasso, we have been trying to find a way to improve one of the top five identified issues: failing septic systems. Initially, we assumed that running sewer lines might be a solution; however, it was very costly not only to the county, but homeowners because of the monthly bill of receiving this luxury. This septic grant is an excellent example of how to think creatively to find solutions and involves being humble enough to reach out and ask for help in acquiring resources.

West Wabasso Water Project Community Cookout!

The sidewalk project continues to move forward slowly. I met with the director of Public Works, Jim Davis, to find a viable solution to get this project moving. Only one bid came in for the project and it was twice as high as estimated. We resolved to have Jim Davis to meet with the contractor and plead the case of need as it relates to these sidewalks in hopes of the contractor lowering his original bid. This was accomplished and the bid was sliced in half. The county is to match the amount that the Heart-to Heart program allocated to the sidewalk. So, private and public sectors really had to work together to make this project a reality. Construction should start in a few months.

The community meeting on September 12th attracted over seventy residents! I am thrilled to see that this community is still interested and actively participates in such meetings. I believe that they have seen physical results from PACE and this makes them more prone to getting involved in community matters. Speaking of community matters, the water project is moving full steam ahead. I had many meetings with the county utility department and we are coordinating a giant celebration for the community on October 9th. This celebration will serve as a time to recognize officials involved in making this project a success, but also will provide food to everyone who attends from the community. Many community leaders are planning on coming to this event at St. Matthews Church in West Wabasso. It will serve as an official groundbreaking ceremony and all involved parties will be present to celebrate the $800,000 grant which was recently awarded to banish brown water via supplying county water to residents.

Past Indian River County Updates

July and August, 2004

June, 2004

May, 2004

Media Coverage

The following files are provided in the Adobe Acrobat pdf format. Files over 100 kb in size that may take longer to download and view, have their file size listed.

October 10, 2005 - West Wabasso residents rejoice over water project

October 7, 2005 - West Wabasso to get county water

September 20, 2005 - Indian River County replaces septic tanks for 10 families in west Wabasso

July 8, 2005 - Indian River health officials receive national award

June, 2005 - Spring 2005 PACE Progress Report for the Wabasso Environmental Assessment (380 kb) (From the Florida Journal of Environmental Health)

June 17, 2005 - World Changers group fixes homes in West Wabasso

June 15, 2005 - Impoverished area to get waterlines

June 12, 2005 - World Changers redo Wabasso

May 1, 2005 - Water System on its way to Wabasso

December 25, 2004 - Woman's work aids west Wabasso residents

October 18, 2004 - Storms stall Wabasso help

September, 2004 - PACE Progress Report for the Wabasso Environmental Assessment (620 kb) (From the Florida Journal of Environmental Health)