Utility commission recommends combining three septic‑to‑sewer projects for next DEP grant application

The Lake Placid Utility Commission agreed to recommend that Town Council include projects 1, 2 and 3 as a combined priority in the next Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant application, and to omit Placid Lakes from that combined package.

During the utility director’s report staff summarized a list of candidate projects and explained time lines for grant windows. Staff said DEP grant applications typically open in May–June and that a decision from DEP is commonly known within roughly three months after applying; federal earmark and SRF funding windows were discussed separately. Staff also warned that a DEP grant can trigger mandatory hook‑ups in served areas under state rules if septic systems fail.

After discussion about project sequencing and funding availability, a motion to prioritize projects 1, 2 and 3 combined into the next DEP grant application and to leave Placid Lakes out of that combined submittal was moved and seconded; the motion was recorded and instructions given that staff will prepare the application materials and bring the recommendation to Town Council. The commission discussed expected timelines (design, permitting and construction sequencing) and noted the largest construction item among the three is the Tomoka lift station and its force main, which carries the longest procurement and equipment lead times.

Staff said closing federal or state funding often requires detailed design and permitting before reimbursement is available and that timelines could extend into the next year for construction awards. Commissioners asked for schedules showing when specific projects would be designed and bid; staff agreed to include those schedules in the council submittal.

The recommendation will be forwarded to Town Council for final decision and for any required authorizations to submit DEP and federal applications.