| University of Florida Foundation, Inc. | |
| Christopher Brazda | 352-392-1633 |
| Public Relations | 100 NW 20th St |
| cbrazda@uff.ufl.edu | Gainesville, FL 32603 |
| For immediate release | Tuesday, February 28, 2006 |
PROGRESS ENERGY HELPS LAUNCH UF WATER INSTITUTE THROUGH $1.2 MILLION GIFT
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Water Institute is primed to launch into its role as the focal point for issues facing Florida’s greatest natural resource thanks to its founding sponsor, Progress Energy.
"The state's rivers, springs and wetlands are precious resources that provide significant environmental and economic benefits for Florida and its residents," said Gov. Jeb Bush. "Collaborative partnerships, together with the latest science and research, will ensure we make the right decisions to protect our quality of life, provide our residents with a clean, reliable supply of water and preserve our natural resources."
UF President Bernie Machen announced at a news conference today on the UF campus that the Progress Energy Foundation is giving $1.2 million to establish an endowment for the Water Institute. Part of the gift will support an annual summit of government and industry leaders involved in Florida’s water-related issues.
“Progress Energy has been an important partner on the Water Institute project even before its inception,” said Machen. “We welcome their long-term commitment to the sustainability of Florida’s water resources.”
The UFWI, formally created in 2004, provides a focal point for water-related research, education and public outreach programs based at the state’s largest and most comprehensive research university.
“Florida’s commitment to protecting our waterways is unprecedented with more than $1.9 billion invested over the last seven years alone,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “With this added contribution from Progress Energy, government, academic and private interests can partner to help us further understand and protect Florida’s unique water environment.”
"Protecting and preserving our state's most valuable natural resource is critical to Florida's future," said Bill Habermeyer, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida. "The research and work conducted through the Water Institute will assist in preserving our state's pristine waterways and in managing future growth."
More than 200 UF faculty members across multiple disciplines have been identified with research interests in water issues to be tackled by the UFWI.
A UF faculty task force for the UFWI is conducting a search for the institute’s first director. The task force also developed the mission and a business plan for the UFWI.
“Progress Energy’s support will have an immediate impact on the goals of the Water Institute,” said Winfred Phillips, UF vice president for research. “With the naming of a director of the institute we will run with our plans to conduct collaborative research on critical water issues and initiate plans for the annual Progress Energy Water Summit.”
Progress Energy’s gift is eligible for $900,000 in matching funds from the State of Florida’s Major Gifts Trust Fund.
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