Citrus County advances Holder Industrial Park force main extension despite public pushback

Citrus County advances Holder Industrial Park force main extension despite public pushbackCommissioners approved an amendment extending the construction timeline for the industrial site's wastewater infrastructure, defending the use of grant funds as a necessary long-term economic investment.

The board approved Amendment No. 2 for the Holder Industrial Park Force Main Extension Construction Project, extending the substantial completion date to July 1, 2026.

A local resident questioned the use of grant money for the water main extension amid community concerns over potential heavy industrial development.

Commissioners defended the project, noting the 500-acre site was previously approved and that securing water and sewer infrastructure for industrial sites takes 10 to 20 years.

In a separate action, the board unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the Ozello Water Association for wastewater services.

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 on June 11 to approve an amendment for the Holder Industrial Park Force Main Extension Construction Project, pushing forward with wastewater infrastructure development despite community concerns over industrial zoning. Amendment No. 2 extends the time for substantial completion of the force main to July 1, 2026, and final completion to July 31, 2026, at no additional cost to the county. The project is overseen by the county's Water Resources Director, Ken Cheek. During the meeting, the project faced pushback from a resident who questioned why the county was utilizing grant funding to extend water and sewer lines to the Holder site while the community was actively opposing heavy industrial developments, specifically a proposed data center. Commissioners defended the infrastructure investment as a necessary step for future economic growth. The board clarified that the force main extension is not tied to any specific pending application, but rather to the site's long-standing designation for job creation. One commissioner noted that the 500-acre Holder industrial site was previously approved and emphasized the lengthy timelines required for utility planning. "It takes a long time to get grants and approvals," the commissioner stated. "Industrial sites take 10 to 20 years to actually become an industrial site. That's why this is a good thing that we're putting in for grant money." In a separate water-related action, the board unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the Ozello Water Association for the provision of wastewater services by the county within the association's territorial area. According to the meeting agenda, the board also approved the creation of the Citrus Springs 2026 Assessment Area to fund new water distribution facilities.