BRONSON COMMISSION UPDATEDON THE POTENTIAL PIPELINE
2023 May 23
Bronson City Commissioners met on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Cobb Municipal Building in Bronson, to update its two new commissioners on what events preceded their election to the commission regarding the proposed water and wastewater pipeline between Bronson and Cedar Key and the creation of the Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative.
Attendees included: representatives from the Suwannee River Water Management District Leroy Marshall and Tim Alexander; Town of Bronson Council representatives Robert Partin, Virginia Phillips, Sherrie Schuler, and Tyler Voorhees; Cedar Key Water and Sewer District representatives Joe Hand and James McCain. Levy County Commissioner John Meeks, Bronson staff, attorneys, a consultant, and the press attended as well, some on Zoom, others in person. Newly elected Brownson Councilor Franklin Shuler was not in attendance.
LEROY MARSHALL SYNOPSIS
Suwannee River Water Management District Chief Professional Engineer Leroy Marshall reviewed what hat has happened to date and what steps ought to occur in the near future. To date:
Suwannee River Water Management District Chief Professional Engineer Leroy Marshall reviewed what hat has happened to date and what steps ought to occur in the near future. To date:
• In December of 2021, SRWMD Executive Director Hugh Thomas and selected staff met with the Mayors of Cedar Key, Bronson, and Otter Creek and other appropriate staff and conceptualized a regional water and wastewater pipeline between Bronson to Cedar Key, which would be accessible to the unincorporated areas along the route, including Rosewood and Sumner.
• Early in 2022, the SRWMD funded and from April through September 2022, Wetland Solutions, Inc. conducted the feasibility study of both water/sewer systems considering growth factors and the unincorporated. In September, the final feasibility study titled “Phase 1: Regional Alternative Water Supply Feasibility – Cedar Key, Bronson, Otter Creek, and Unincorporated Areas in Levy County” was published.
• In December 2022, the request for $104 million was submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection to seek Alternative Water Supply dollars. AWS offers state grants for regional projects in “areas of greatest need as well as projects that provide the greatest benefit.”
• In May 2023, the SRWMD approved and forwarded to the DEP the request for $36 million for water distribution and $68 for wastewater collection (totaling $104 million) between Bronson and Cedar Key with taps available along the pipeline for future connections. The estimated total cost of the water plant, sewer plant, and pipeline is $100million plus.
In the future:
• Before August 2023, the Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative agreement amongst Bronson, Otter Creek, and the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District must be agreed upon, signed, and forward to the SRWMD. Town of Bronson / Otter Creek Attorney Steven Warm reported that he and CKWSD General Counsel Evan Rosenthal have the agreement ready now for their respective boards to finalize.
• SRWMD plans to use the State Revolving Fund, SRF, to finance the pipeline. The SRWMD requests those funds through the FDEP. The SRF loans dollars, usually with an 85% waiver / forgiveness, and a plan to request AWS funds to cover the remaining 15%. August 2023 is the expected date of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to approve funding.
• Marshall reiterated the fact that the involved entities of Otter Creek, Bronson, and Cedar Key Water Sewer District can “pull out” of any agreement should funding not materialize.
• Start-up costs for the Cooperative may be available. The SRWMD suggests using its “conceptual” portal to apply for possible funding. Marshall advises: apply now; apply “coapplicantly” …the three entities apply together. Application should be done immediately; the portal closes in August.
TIM ALEXANDER SYNOPSIS
Suwannee River Water Management District Deputy Executive Director of Business and Community Services Tim Alexander spoke briefly advising those present that he could be helpful in securing start-up funding sources. He is familiar with the Nature Coast Regional Water Authority which provides water in Fanning Springs and Lancaster.
Suwannee River Water Management District Deputy Executive Director of Business and Community Services Tim Alexander spoke briefly advising those present that he could be helpful in securing start-up funding sources. He is familiar with the Nature Coast Regional Water Authority which provides water in Fanning Springs and Lancaster.
JAMES MCCAIN SYNOPSIS
Cedar Key Water AND Sewer District General Manager and Superintendent James McCain shared the fact that currently the Cedar Key Water Sewer District spends approximately $120,000 annually on chemicals to make its water potable and safe. Alternatively, Town of Bronson Public Works Director Curtis Stacy reported Bronson paying only $120 quarterly for the same purpose. McCain also shared that the Cedar Key Wastewater plant, in downtown central, was built in 1992, thirty one years ago, and, though upgraded in 2006, is seriously aging.
CONSLUSION
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm. The meeting proved informative, fact laden, and directional. Questions were answered with clarity.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm. The meeting proved informative, fact laden, and directional. Questions were answered with clarity.
Town of Bronson Mayor Robert Partin closed reiterating his poignant belief that Bronson was blessed with good water and all Levy County residents deserve good water.
********
