Bradenton council approves wastewater equalization tanks, Ironwood water project as part of consent agenda
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Summary
The Bradenton City Council on Feb. 11 approved a consent agenda that includes awarding construction work for two wastewater equalization tanks (about $6 million each, largely funded by state direct appropriations) and moving forward on the Ironwood water-distribution project (estimated $2.8–$3.2 million). Council emphasized improved treatment capacity for future high-flow events.
The Bradenton City Council approved its consent agenda on Feb. 11, clearing funding and contracting steps for two wastewater equalization-tank projects and an Ironwood water-distribution upgrade.
Councilmember Perry summarized the projects during the consent discussion, saying the two equalization tanks each carry about $6,000,000 in project cost and that the city secured direct appropriations from the Florida Legislature to cover a substantial portion. "We're talking about over $12,000,000 for just these 2 projects," Perry said. The equalization tanks will increase the plant's ability to handle high-flow events and give additional processing time for biological treatment and solids separation.
Perry warned that extreme inflows previously stressed the plant; he noted last year's wet period challenged a 9 million-gallon-per-day rated capacity with flows that approached "30,000,000 gallons per day." The projects are described as the first phase of a three-phase approach to improve treatment and reduce the risk of untreated discharges during storm-driven peak flows.
The Ironwood water-distribution project, which Perry said grew out of a 2021 resident request, carries an estimated cost of $2.8 million to $3.2 million and an anticipated 12–15 month construction window for open-cut installation. Staff told council the Ironwood work will be funded in part by assessments and that the public outreach held the previous day drew roughly 75 residents.
The consent agenda passed unanimously, 5–0. City staff said the equalization projects and Ironwood work are intended to reduce environmental risk for river discharges and improve long-term system resilience.
Next steps: staff will proceed with construction-manager selection and permitting; council directed ongoing public outreach for Ironwood assessments and timelines.
