Oviedo CRA approves interlocal agreement and budget reallocations to move Connector Road project forward

The Oviedo Community Redevelopment Agency on Feb. 17 approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Oviedo to advance construction of the Oviedo Connector Road, reallocate $840,000 in CRA funds to the roadway and pedestrian bridge, and use sewer impact fee (wastewater capital recovery) funds to pay for an upsized sewer lift station.

The vote followed a staff presentation and extended discussion about bids that came in above the CRA’s budget, how the lift station work qualifies for wastewater capital recovery charges, and the cost of a pedestrian bridge that will connect the road to Solari Park.

Why it matters: The decision lets the city proceed with construction procurement and shifts funding across accounts so the road and park connection can be built while the sewer capacity upgrade is paid from the sewer impact fee fund. Board members questioned whether moving pipe and relocation work should remain CRA-funded and pressed staff on whether the financing raised legal or rate concerns for existing sewer customers.

Staff summary and funding changes

Mr. Cobb, a CRA staff member, told the board that earlier design and preliminary agreements cover route and cost estimates and that the most recent bids were higher than the CRA budget. He said staff found money in the City’s sewer impact fee account because the lift station portion upsizes system capacity and therefore is eligible for wastewater capital recovery charges. He described the recommended approach as…