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Hardee County to accept $1 million legislative appropriation for Pioneer Park infrastructure
Summary
County staff presented a $1,000,000 legislative appropriation agreement to bring wastewater service into Pioneer Park and enable future revenue-generating recreational development; the county had requested $5 million and will use the award to begin decommissioning septic systems and extend wastewater from Zolfo Springs.
Lori Ayers, Hardee County general services director, presented a legislative appropriation agreement to the board on Jan. 2 for $1,000,000 to begin infrastructure work at Pioneer Park.
Ayers said the county sought $5,000,000 from the Legislature during the previous cycle and received $1,000,000 this year. The appropriation agreement with the Florida Department of Commerce will fund initial infrastructure — specifically extending wastewater service from Zolfo Springs into Pioneer Park — so the county can decommission on-site septic systems and protect the local environment, Ayers said.
Ayers said the wastewater connection is intended to clear the way for future park improvements that could include "glamping" projects aimed at increasing revenue from the park. She described the funding as a starting point that "will get us started into bringing Zolfo Springs wastewater into Pioneer Park to decommission any septics that are out there on the park premises which will protect the environment out there." The presentation did not include a detailed project schedule or procurement contract; Ayers said the agreement is the beginning step and that staff will return with implementation details.
Commissioners asked for a brief review of plans because three newly elected commissioners had not participated in earlier discussions. No formal vote or final acceptance was recorded in the Jan. 2 workshop minutes; staff presented the agreement and described next steps for implementation and project planning.
