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Auburndale approves adding Alafia River project to regional water cooperative for further evaluation
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to add the Alafia River Water Supply Project to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative Combined Projects Implementation Agreement, allowing engineering evaluation but not committing the city to construction costs.
The City Commission of Auburndale voted June 15 to approve a second amendment to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) Combined Projects Implementation Agreement, elevating the Alafia River Water Supply Project to an "Approved Project" status to allow further engineering and feasibility study.
City Manager Jeffrey Brown told commissioners the 2017 Phase 2 engineers’ report identified the Alafia River surface‑water project as a top candidate, estimating a potential long‑term yield of up to 15 million gallons per day. PRWC demand projections foresee a need for 14 to 27 million gallons per day of additional alternative water supply by 2070, possibly as early as 2040, staff said.
Commissioner Travis Avery moved to approve the amendment and Commissioner Crystal Tijerina seconded. There was no public comment. Vice Mayor Jordan Helms asked whether elevating the project obligates the city to future construction costs; Brown said the approval authorizes further engineering evaluation rather than immediate construction. City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr. cautioned the vote "opens the door" to potential future costs that would be shared by members who subscribe to the project.
The motion carried unanimously. The amendment now goes to the PRWC Board of Directors; if approved there, each member jurisdiction will consider the amendment per the interlocal agreement procedures.
Commissioners and staff framed the vote as a technical, planning step to enable design and feasibility work rather than a commitment to build. The city’s share of any future construction or implementation costs was not specified at the meeting.
