Multiple Hardee County water and sewer projects update: design nearly complete on several fronts, construction funding gaps remain

Hardee County and city staff updated the Economic Development Authority on several related water and wastewater projects on Nov. 3, reporting advanced designs but continuing funding and permitting work before construction can proceed.

City of Huachula representatives said the Herb Bridge Road project is about "98%" in design; subsurface utility locates, survey and right‑of‑way work are complete but a needed easement from a property owner is delayed by family issues. City staff are delaying formal right‑of‑way permit submission until the easement is finalized to avoid triggering permit review clocks.

Riverview Heights design is also nearly finished, but an application to the EDA for construction funds was denied. City staff are seeking state and other sources to cover construction costs; design completion timing was discussed as late November into year‑end.

For Huachula Hills Phase 7, engineering updates are underway and construction bid packets are being prepared. Staff said a recently obtained FDEP grant will fund only the wastewater portion of the project; water portions require separate funds. Utilities staff also noted they are re‑sizing pumps because additional housing developments in the area have increased projected flows. Staff emphasized including emergency power (generators) at new lift stations to avoid future HMGP‑driven funding delays.

Why it matters: several projects are at the transition point between design and construction but lack fully committed construction funding. Delays in easement acquisition and grant restrictions (wastewater‑only funding) affect project sequencing.

What’s next: staff will finalize permitting and bid documents where appropriate, continue to seek construction funding and update the board when permit submissions and bid schedules are set.