Council accepts final pay for stormwater pipeline project; city reports $825,000 savings

The Vero Beach City Council voted to approve final payment on a stormwater pipeline project that city officials described as innovative and completed under budget.

City Manager and project staff thanked the team, specifically naming Rob Bolton and Arjuna Wigoda for leading the project. City staff said the work was delivered in three contracts covering upland work on the mainland and island, plus a bore under the river. The original contract award total was $8,900,000; staff reported the final price brought the project to $8,117,000, yielding a reported savings of approximately $825,000.

Council members praised the utility and public-works teams and discussed the project’s role in lagoon cleanup efforts and broader infrastructure investments. The manager noted the project repurposed stormwater from the main relief canal for irrigation, describing it as a reuse of a previously wasted resource.

Staff said funding for the project came from three sources: Johns Island water management partners, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the city (staff characterized the city’s contribution as the smallest share). Council approved final payment by roll call, with all members voting in favor.

Council also discussed pursuing an award submission for the project and recommended publicizing the innovative elements. No contract change orders or disputes were raised in the meeting discussion.

The city will proceed with final administrative closeout steps and record final payment per city procedures.