Port Richey wins $4.3 million in state appropriations for water, sewer and fire equipment

Port Richey received three state appropriation awards totaling about $4.3 million after advocacy during the 2025 Florida legislative session, lobbyist and former commissioner Mike Moore told the city council. Moore told council the city secured $2,500,000 for replacement of asbestos-cement and galvanized drinking-water mains, $1,000,000 for sanitary sewer lift-station rehabilitation and $800,000 for a fire engine replacement. Moore credited state senators and representatives and said the awards came after negotiations in the House and Senate and follow-up with agency staff. City staff and council members said the funds will be used for projects identified in the city's capital improvement needs, and they asked staff to schedule a public recognition for the lawmakers and to provide specifics on how the money will be allocated to projects and timelines. Moore described the state budget process and advised the city to prioritize a short list of high-need projects for next year's appropriations cycle. He urged council to meet with legislative sponsors and provided an outline of next-session dates and committee weeks. The council did not take a separate vote to accept the funds at tonight's meeting; city staff described next steps for project scoping and coordination with state agencies.