South Miami staff say septic-to-sewer phase nearly ready to mobilize after state and federal grants

City Manager (role) and staff described progress on the city's long-planned septic-to-sewer conversion during the town hall. They said work is moving toward mobilization for an initial phase that will connect about 46 homes in the south basin and construct a pump station to serve the area.

The city reported it received approximately $1.8 million from the state legislature in 2023 and additional federal funds that together the speakers described as roughly $3.5 million. Officials said two of three permitting approvals are in hand from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer and other agencies, and a contractor has been selected pending final approvals.

Staff framed the conversion as phased work that will expand as additional funds are identified; they noted the city is divided into 11 zones and the initial work is in subarea K, running from the park along 87th Street West and connecting to an existing main on 62nd Avenue. The city said design of the pump station and linear piping is complete and the project is ready to begin once final permitting is secured.

Officials said the project remains dependent on continuing grant or budget support; a veto of a governor's recommended budget item reduced available city funds this year, so the work will rely on the grants already secured and future funding decisions.

Ending: City staff stated they expect to begin mobilization once final permits are issued and funding is confirmed and invited residents in affected neighborhoods to request project updates from city staff.