County accepts $3.5 million DEP grant for Shoal River elevated water tank; design planned for 2026

Okaloosa County commissioners accepted a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant and authorized the county administrator to act as the authorizing agent for a new elevated water tank at the Shoal River Industrial Park. Michael Hackett of the county's water and sewer division presented the award: $3,500,000 for a likely 750,000-gallon pedestal-style steel elevated tank on county-owned property, adjacent to a new well and the Shoal River Water Reclamation Facility access road. Staff said design is planned for 2026 with construction in 2027. Hackett told commissioners the tank will improve system redundancy, mitigate main breaks and increase fire suppression capacity and future system capacity. Commissioners praised the timeline and recent work by county water staff; the board approved the request unanimously. Staff did not present construction bids at the meeting. Officials also credited recent operational responses, including a coordinated limited boil-water notice in Shalimar, as part of ongoing water-system management.