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Fernandina Beach authorizes applications for up to roughly $15–24 million in wastewater and reuse grants
Summary
City staff told commissioners it will apply for two Florida grants related to wastewater and reuse planning and implementation under SB 64: an alternative water supply/reuse grant ($7–9 million) and a water-quality/advanced-treatment planning grant ($14–15 million). The commission approved the authorization unanimously.
Fernandina Beach officials authorized staff to pursue two state grant opportunities aimed at upgrading wastewater-treatment infrastructure and creating a non-potable reuse distribution system required under Florida Senate Bill 64.
Utilities Director Andre Desile told the commission the grants would support a planned wastewater-plant upgrade and implementation of a reuse distribution system to meet a 2032 state goal of eliminating surface-water discharge of treatment plant effluent. Consultants from Woodard & Curran explained the grants' scope: the alternative water supply/reuse-distribution grant was estimated at about $7–9 million, and the water-quality planning grant (focused on feasibility and pre-construction work for advanced wastewater treatment) was estimated at $14–15 million.
"When we were first looking at that grant ... there was a recommendation to go to an advanced wastewater treatment facility," consultant Ryan Watson said, describing the water-quality grant as an opportunity to fund pre-construction planning and feasibility to prepare for potential future regulatory requirements.
Commissioners asked about fees for the consultant's work on the applications; staff said the not-to-exceed fees were $6,000 for one application and $21,000 for the financial/initiative plan associated with the other application. Staff also noted both grant application deadlines fall on June 30 and said they expected to meet that deadline. The commission voted 5-0 to authorize staff to prepare and submit the applications.
If awarded, the grants would be applied to engineering, planning and capital work associated with wastewater improvements and reuse distribution; staff emphasized that applying does not obligate the city to accept a grant if awarded.
