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Polk County approves $8.53 million purchase of 197-acre site for East Regional wastewater facility
Summary
The Polk County Commission authorized purchase of about 197 acres northeast of Lake Wales for a planned East Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility and possible future county operations, allocating $8.53 million from the utilities capital expansion fund.
Polk County commissioners on Oct. 21 approved the purchase of approximately 197 acres northeast of Lake Wales to reserve land for an East Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility and other future county operations.
The county authorized a purchase agreement and the allocation of $8,530,000 — $8,500,000 for the purchase and about $30,000 for estimated closing costs — and engaged American Government Services Corporation to handle the closing, Ryan Taylor, filling in for the county manager, told the board.
County staff described the site as roughly 197 acres in total with about 150 contiguous acres intended for the wastewater facility and an additional 47-acre tract adjacent to the northwest. Taylor said the 150-acre portion could accommodate the wastewater project and possible future uses such as a roads and drainage maintenance unit, fleet maintenance shop or sheriff operations. He noted the 47-acre tract adjoins land previously recommended for acquisition under the county’s conservation land program.
“Staff determined that the 150 acres could serve for a wastewater facility and other future public purposes,” Taylor said during the presentation.
Commissioner Scott expressed support for the purchase, pointing to the property’s ability to tie into nearby conservation lands and to preserve a wildlife corridor while providing space for future county services. “For me…this is a really great purchase,” Scott said.
A commissioner asked about timing for constructing the wastewater facility; Taylor replied that studies would start soon and estimated a planning window “within five years,” with some comments indicating a possible two-year start for initial studies.
The board voted to approve the agreement and funding; the motion carried without recorded opposition.
The agreement will be funded from the utilities capital expansion fund with cost sharing among divisions that will use the property, Taylor said. The county did not set a construction schedule or firm completion date at the meeting. Additional design, permitting and budget approvals will be required before construction can begin.
