management strategies and includes the task of data collection, construction and operation of

structural components for flood control, surface and underground water storage, and ground

water recharge augmentation (F.S. 373.019 (19)). Local governments, or utilities were charged

with "water supply development", which was defined as design, planning, construction and

operation of the infrastructure necessary to collect and distribute water for sale, resale or end use

(F.S. 373.019 (21)).

 The primary goal of this shift in policy, which aimed to increase the volume of water

available, was to avoid pitting consumptive users against each other and against natural systems

(Matthews and Nieto 1998). To accomplish these goals, the legislature stated that proj ects which

create sustainable water sources but require Einancial assistance to complete, and proj ects that

implement reuse, storage, recharge, or conservation of water be given priority funding by the

water management districts (F.S. 373.083 1 (4) (a) (3)). Further, if a priority proj ect is expected

to bring an MFL water body into compliance, it is given "first consideration" for funding

assistance (F. S. 373.0831 (4) (b)).

 Along with establishing funding priority for water resource development, the 1997 law

also clarified the role of water resource planning in water management. The DEP is required to

produce the Florida Water Plan in conjunction with the WMDs, regional water supply

authorities, and others (F.S. 373.036). The Florida Water Plan includes the district Water

Management Plans that are called for in the 1997 legislation. These plans are based on a 20-year

planning horizon and are to be updated at least every Hyve years (F.S. 373.036 (2)). The plans

include, among other items, methodologies for establishing minimum flows and levels, water

supply assessments, anticipated future needs, projections of water supply adequacy, and

Regional Water Supply Plans which are developed for areas determined to have an insufficient