Punta Gorda Takes Next Steps in Sewer Conversion Study

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Punta Gorda City Council has unanimously approved moving forward with a design and engineering study aimed at converting septic systems to sewer connections for approximately 1,400 households in the Charlotte Park section. This decision, made on August 21, follows the city's successful acquisition of a $5.5 million state grant.

Grant and Engineering Study

The $5.5 million grant will support the study conducted by Englewood-based Giffels-Webster Engineers Inc., which will assess the costs associated with the sewer conversion. The Council has approved Giffels-Webster’s consulting fee of $53,650, but the funding for the actual conversions remains uncertain.

“I never voted to support having the city pay one cent for this project,” said Mayor Lynne Matthews. Concerns were voiced about the financial implications for the city, with Council member Melissa Lockhart echoing worries that the city might be left financially burdened by the project. Lockhart proposed seeking additional state funding to support the initiative.

Funding and County Stance

While the state grant provides significant financial backing, it does not cover the purchase of property needed for the sewer systems. The cost of these conversions, therefore, remains a point of contention.

Charlotte Park, though served by Charlotte County Utilities for water, is not incorporated into the city of Punta Gorda. Charlotte County has indicated that it will not provide financial support for the sewer project, citing that residents are already being charged for septic-to-sewer conversions on their property tax bills.

Mayor Matthews highlighted ongoing efforts to secure further state support. State Sen. Ben Albritton, a supporter of septic-to-sewer projects, has indicated that the state will not approve individual reimbursement requests this year. Instead, the state aims to develop a comprehensive statewide plan to address these issues.

Future Steps and Community Impact

City Manager Greg Murray has been working with the Charlotte Park Homeowners Association, where opinions on the sewer system are mixed. The primary benefits of the sewer system include preventing environmental damage from septic runoff and enabling residents to install pools.

Procurement Manager Anne Heinen outlined the initial tasks for the project: identifying suitable locations for the pumping systems and soliciting manufacturers for vacuum systems.

As the city moves forward, the cost of conversions is expected to rise, and residents will continue to face uncertainty about who will bear the financial responsibility.

Next Steps:

The Council will continue to work on the sewer conversion project, including further discussions with the state and community stakeholders. The outcome will significantly impact both environmental health and the financial burden on local resid