South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is a regional governmental agency responsible for managing and protecting water resources across 16 counties in southern Florida, encompassing a population of over 9 million residents. Established in 1949 as the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District, it is the oldest and largest of Florida's five water management districts. The agency's mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida's water resources and ecosystems, protect communities from flooding, and meet the region's water needs.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To manage and protect water resources by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems, and water supply.

• Vision: To restore and protect natural ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, bays, and coastal estuaries, with a particular focus on the Everglades restoration.

Primary Area of Focus

SFWMD's primary focus areas include:

• Ecosystem Restoration: Leading the restoration of the Everglades, the largest environmental restoration project in the nation's history.

• Water Supply: Safeguarding and expanding regional water supplies for both people and the environment, emphasizing the development of alternative water sources and water conservation.

• Flood Protection: Managing flood control systems to protect communities from flooding.

Industry Significance

As the largest water management district in Florida, SFWMD plays a critical role in balancing environmental restoration with urban development, ensuring sustainable water resources for a rapidly growing population.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Ecosystem Restoration: Implementing projects to restore the Everglades and other natural systems.

• Water Supply Management: Ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for the region.

• Flood Control: Maintaining infrastructure to protect communities from flooding.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Everglades Restoration: Leading the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

• Water Quality Improvement: Monitoring and improving water quality across the district.

• Flood Control Infrastructure: Operating and maintaining an extensive system of canals, levees, and pump stations.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Hydrological Monitoring: Utilizing over 3,500 hydrological monitoring stations, including rain gauges and weather stations, to monitor water conditions.

• Geospatial Mapping: Employing GIS technologies for planning and operational purposes.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Urban Water Supply: Ensuring adequate water supply for urban areas.

• Agricultural Water Needs: Managing water resources for agricultural use.

• Flood-Prone Regions: Protecting areas susceptible to flooding.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

SFWMD's operations are funded through a combination of property taxes and other revenue sources, including state appropriations.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures on total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Detailed information on recent funding rounds is not publicly available.

Notable Investors

As a governmental agency, SFWMD does not have investors in the traditional sense.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Funds are allocated to various projects, including:

• Everglades Restoration: Implementing restoration projects.

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Operating and maintaining flood control systems.

• Water Quality Monitoring: Conducting water quality improvement initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

SFWMD focuses on several major projects, including:

• Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir: A significant component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

• C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area: Part of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program.

• Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir: A project aimed at improving water quality and supply.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a governmental agency, SFWMD does not engage in clinical trials or product development.

Target Conditions

The agency addresses environmental restoration, water supply, and flood protection needs across its service area.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for project milestones are detailed in SFWMD's strategic plans and project updates.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

SFWMD utilizes proprietary technologies for water management, including:

• Hydrological Monitoring Systems: A network of monitoring stations for real-time data collection.

• Geospatial Information Systems (GIS): For mapping and spatial analysis.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Hydrological Modeling: To predict water flow and manage resources effectively.

• Water Quality Assessment: Regular monitoring and analysis to ensure water standards.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI applications are not detailed, SFWMD employs advanced data analysis techniques to inform decision-making.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Drew Bartlett, Executive Director: Appointed in 2019, Bartlett has expedited Everglades projects and advanced water quality initiatives.

• John Mitnik, Assistant Executive Director and Chief District Engineer: Oversees critical Everglades Restoration projects and manages the Capital Improvement Program.

• Jennifer Smith, Chief of Staff: Provides strategic counsel to the executive team and manages agency-wide projects.

• Maricruz R. Fincher, General Counsel: Serves as legal counsel for environmental and Everglades-related matters.

• Jill Creech, P.E., Division Director, Regulation: Manages regulatory programs to protect and improve regional water resources.

• Lisa Koehler, Big Cypress Basin Administrator: Leads activities and projects in the Big Cypress Basin, implementing Basin Board policy.

• Carolina Maran, Ph.D., P.E., Division Director, Flood Control and Water Supply Planning: Coordinates resilience efforts and develops comprehensive resiliency goals.

• Akintunde (Akin) Owosina, P.E., Division Director, Information Technology: Oversees the agency’s information technology resources and systems.

• Jennifer Reynolds, Division Director, Ecosystem Restoration: Manages projects and programs to restore the Everglades and other ecosystems.

• Lucine Dadrian, Division Director, Engineering, Construction and Modeling: Leads engineering, construction, and modeling efforts for restoration projects.

• Rich Virgil, Division Director, Field Operations: Manages operations and maintenance functions at field stations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

SFWMD operates in a unique governmental capacity, with no direct competitors in the private sector. However, other water management districts in Florida, such as the Southwest Florida Water Management District, also play roles in regional water resource management.

Competitor Analysis

• Southwest Florida Water Management District: Established in 1961, it operates and maintains several large properties and flood protection projects, sometimes in cooperation with other agencies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SFWMD collaborates with various federal, state, and local agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, to achieve its mission.

Operational Insights

SFWMD's extensive infrastructure and collaborative approach provide a competitive advantage in managing water resources and environmental restoration projects.