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City approves $862,000 design authorization to upgrade master wastewater pumping and booster generator
Summary
City council approved a master agreement and the first authorization to CDM Smith to begin preliminary design and engineering for upgrades at the master pumping facility (900 W. Henry St.) and booster pumping facility (4300 Henry St.), with estimated total project cost now about $6.1 million and potential federal grant eligibility.
Punta Gorda City Council on May 7 authorized the first phase of work to upgrade two critical wastewater pumping facilities, approving phase 1 design and engineering work with CDM Smith in an amount not to exceed $861,905.
Utilities Director Tom Spencer told council the master pumping station at 900 West Henry Street and the booster pumping station at 4300 Henry Street host aging equipment, undersized backup power and electrical infrastructure needing replacement. Staff and the consultant described the work scope as including new pumps, piping, switchgear, motor controls, variable-frequency drives and replacement or upsizing of generators.
Spencer said earlier budget estimates in prior CIP planning ranged much lower but that an expanded scope and post-storm assessments raised the planning estimate to about $6.1 million for design, construction and equipment. He said the city faced procurement and supply-chain challenges, long lead times for generators and switchgear, and regulatory pressure after sanitary sewer overflows. CDM Smith representatives said the city is likely eligible for federal infrastructure grant funds tied to disaster-impacted wastewater systems and that CDM Smith would assist in preparing grant applications.
Council voted to approve a master agreement with CDM Smith and the first authorization (phase 1) for preliminary design, engineering and related services; staff said subsequent construction authorizations will return to council after design and condition assessment deliverables are complete. The authorization is meant to enable immediate design work and pre-procurement of long-lead items where appropriate.
Spencer estimated construction could be completed in late 2027, subject to scheduling and procurement. Council members emphasized urgency and praised staff for seeking grant funds to defray costs.
