Vero Beach seeks $12m in federal funding for wastewater and stormwater projects

Vero Beach seeks $12m in federal funding for wastewater and stormwater projectsThe Florida city has submitted federal appropriations requests for a wastewater reclamation facility and flood protection infrastructure, alongside approving a direct collection mechanism for septic-to-sewer conversion assessments.

The city is requesting a $5 million federal grant for its under-construction wastewater reclamation facility.

Stormwater funding requests include $3 million for an Oakmont Park pump station and $4 million for a JC Park exfiltration system.

The council approved an interlocal agreement with the Town of Indian River Shores to collect special assessments for septic-to-sewer conversions directly via the tax collector.

An ordinance establishing incentives and a new rate structure for Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) systems was unanimously passed.

The City of Vero Beach, Florida, is pursuing $12 million in federal appropriations to support a trio of water infrastructure projects, City Manager Monty Falls announced during the March 10, 2026, city council meeting. The funding requests include a $5 million grant for the city's wastewater reclamation facility, which is currently under construction. On the stormwater front, the city is seeking $3 million for flood protection at Oakmont Park. Falls noted that the city has already funded the design for a new pump station at the site, but requires federal assistance for construction. An additional $4 million was requested for an environmental project at JC Park, which would divert stormwater away from the Indian River Lagoon and into a new exfiltration system. During the same meeting, the council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the Town of Indian River Shores to streamline cost recovery for local septic-to-sewer conversions. A staff member named Rob explained that the agreement provides a legal mechanism for Vero Beach to collect special assessments directly from the tax collector, rather than waiting for the town to collect the funds and issue a check. "This will let us work with them as they improve streets to put septic-to-sewer in and allow us a mechanism to ensure that we will be paid for the work that is done through a special assessment placed on the property," the staff member noted. He added that the city expects to undertake conversion projects covered by the agreement within the next year, ahead of the October 2027 expiration of the existing franchise agreement. Additionally, the council passed an ordinance creating incentives for the installation of Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) systems. The measure amends the city's existing water and sewer rate structure to address the new systems, alongside the approval of two $5,400 special assessment liens for STEP systems at specific residential properties.