Clearwater approves $11.4m expansion for ongoing sewer repair program

Clearwater approves $11.4m expansion for ongoing sewer repair programThe Clearwater City Council unanimously authorized a massive budget increase for the 2023 Sewer Point Repair and Improvements project, directing over $11.4 million to contractor Rowland, Inc.

The council approved an $11,457,021.66 increase to an existing purchase order with Pinellas Park-based Rowland, Inc.

The newly authorized funds bring the total budget for 'Group C' of the sewer repair initiative to $22,957,021.66.

A $2,005 single-source agreement with CSX for railroad protective liability was also approved to support the project.

Separately, the council approved the vacation of a 20-foot lake drainage and utility easement in the Clearview Lake Estates subdivision.

The City of Clearwater, Florida, has significantly expanded the budget for its ongoing wastewater infrastructure maintenance, approving an $11.4 million increase for the 2023 Sewer Point Repair and Improvements project. The City Council unanimously authorized the increase during its May 21, 2026, meeting as part of the consent agenda. The funds will be directed to Rowland, Inc., a contractor based in Pinellas Park, Florida, handling "Group C" of the sewer repair initiative. With the addition of $11,457,021.66, the total purchase order for this specific group of sewer improvements is effectively doubled, now standing at $22,957,021.66. Because the item was bundled into the consent agenda, the council approved the multi-million-dollar expenditure unanimously without additional public deliberation. Alongside the primary contractor increase, the council also authorized a $2,005 single-source agreement with CSX. This secondary agreement covers railroad protective liability and license fees required to facilitate the sewer repair work. In a separate water-related infrastructure decision during the same meeting, the council unanimously approved Ordinance 9881-26 on its first reading. Presented by Robert Casimir of the city's Public Works, Engineering, and Real Estate division, the ordinance vacates a 20-foot portion of a platted lake drainage and utility easement in the Clearview Lake Estates subdivision. Casimir noted that the vacation was reviewed by public works, engineering, and legal staff with no opposition.