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Council adopts $137M wastewater facility plan to eliminate surface discharge; funding mix includes state loans and grants
Summary
The council adopted a facility and capital finance plan for a surface discharge elimination project at the central wastewater treatment plant, acknowledging roughly $52.5 million in secured state revolving and grant funding and planning $85 million in bonds to complete a roughly $137 million project.
The Fort Myers City Council on June 15 adopted Resolution 2026-39, which acknowledges and adopts the facility plan and capital finance plan for a proposed surface discharge elimination project at the city’s central wastewater treatment facility.
Director Chandra told the council the project is designed to upgrade the plant to high-level disinfection standards and either expand reclaimed-water delivery or employ deep injection wells to eliminate discharge to the Caloosahatchee River. The total project cost was presented as slightly more than $137 million.
Chandra outlined secured funding of about $52.5 million composed of state revolving loan opportunities that include principal forgiveness, along with a roughly $13 million state grant from a water-quality initiative. The remaining funding need—about $85 million—will be covered through future bond financing. The project includes resiliency measures because the site is located in an AE flood zone and has flooded during past storms; the plan describes elevated electrical buildings, flood-rated pumps and motors, berms and saltwater-resistant materials.
Council received the presentation, opened the public hearing (no speakers), and approved the resolution with no opposition. The presentation noted environmental studies (2024 wetlands review and listed-species survey) and concluded the chosen alternative balanced cost and environmental impact.
What happens next: staff will proceed with project procurement and financing steps, pursue remaining grant opportunities, and move toward construction planning and bond issuance consistent with the capital finance plan.
