Lake Placid utilities committee seeks plans for million gallon wastewater treatment plant

The Town of Lake Placid is making significant strides toward enhancing its wastewater treatment capacity, with plans to reach a million gallons per day by February 2026. This ambitious goal follows the receipt of a $40 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) aimed at improving water quality in the region.

During a recent joint meeting of the Board of Adjustment (BOA) and the Local Planning Agency (LPA), officials discussed the progress and challenges associated with the wastewater treatment project. Originally estimated at $42 million, the project costs were reduced to $36 million due to various factors, including the impact of COVID-19. However, the funding has been fully utilized, primarily due to consultant and engineering fees.

Despite the successful grant acquisition, the town currently faces a lack of additional funding for ongoing projects, particularly those aimed at addressing water quality issues in impaired lakes. A previously anticipated federal grant of $2.5 million for Lake Merritt Drive was recently canceled, leaving the town to reassess its financial strategy for future improvements.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of considering socio-economic factors in planning, particularly in areas like South Town and Highway Park, where poverty rates are a concern. The town's vision for future development must align with the financial realities of utility services, including potential increases in water rates to ensure cash flow sustainability.

In addition to wastewater improvements, the meeting addressed the need for a natural gas line to support the town's industrial area, which has been included in the capital improvements plan. The Utilities Committee has recommended extending services to a mobile home park on State Road 70, although this area lies outside the current utility service boundary.

As Lake Placid moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on balancing infrastructure development with community needs and financial viability, ensuring that all residents benefit from improved services and quality of life.