Polk County Board approves $9.6M for wastewater facility expansion and engineering services

In a recent meeting of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, significant steps were taken to address the growing demands on the county's wastewater treatment facilities and alternative water supply projects. The discussions highlighted the county's commitment to enhancing its utility infrastructure in response to rapid population growth.

The board approved Amendment Number 3 to the professional services agreement with Wright Pierce, allocating an additional $9,658,092 for construction administration services related to the Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility expansion. This facility is crucial as it is projected to exceed its current capacity of 6 million gallons per day sooner than anticipated, necessitating an increase to 9 million gallons per day by 2029. The expansion is part of a broader strategy outlined in the 2015 Northeast Regional Utility Service Area Master Plan, which aims to meet the wastewater demands of a growing population in Northeast Polk County.

Additionally, the board approved a new agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for $3,100,586 to provide engineering services for improvements at the Southwest Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. This project will address aging systems, including filtration and electrical systems, which are nearing the end of their useful life. The phased approach to the project is expected to be completed within 20 months, with further amendments for construction administration services to follow.

Another key decision involved the approval of the Seventh Amendment to the Cypress Lakes alternative water supply agreement with the Water Cooperative of Central Florida. This amendment, which will cost Polk County up to $1,840,000, supports the construction of additional water production wells and raw water mains. The amendment reflects the county's ongoing commitment to securing alternative water supplies and enhancing regional partnerships for water resource management.

These initiatives underscore Polk County's proactive approach to managing its utility infrastructure in light of increasing demands, ensuring that the county can adequately support its growing population while maintaining essential services. The board's decisions are expected to facilitate timely project completions, with all initiatives funded through the county's community investment program.