Fort Myers secures $25.5m state grant for wellfield expansion amid broader infrastructure push

Fort Myers secures $25.5m state grant for wellfield expansion amid broader infrastructure pushThe Florida municipality has approved a $38.2 million funding package for wellfield redundancy, while simultaneously advancing over $3.5 million in wastewater network upgrades and a $4.1 million water tower demolition.

The city accepted a $25.5 million Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) grant, matched by $12.7 million in local funds, for wellfield expansion and flood-proofing.

Council members authorized three wastewater rehabilitation contracts totaling over $3.5 million for lift station repairs, manhole lining, and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) installation.

A $4.1 million contract amendment was approved to demolish an aging elevated water tower, which officials confirmed had reached the end of its useful life.

The City of Fort Myers is advancing a significant portfolio of water and wastewater capital projects following the approval of multiple funding agreements and service contracts during its March 2, 2026, council meeting. At the center of the infrastructure push is the Fort Myers Wellfield Expansion, Redundancy and Flood-Proofing project. The City Council unanimously authorized a grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) providing $25,519,642.38 for the project. The city will provide a local match of $12,759,821.19, bringing the total dedicated investment to over $38.2 million. In a related move signaling broader potable water system upgrades, the council also granted a utility easement to Florida Power and Light to provide new electric service for an ongoing expansion at the city's Water Treatment Plant on Jacksonville Street. On the wastewater side, the council authorized three supplemental task authorizations totaling more than $3.5 million to rehabilitate aging collection system infrastructure. Quality Enterprise USA was awarded $1,377,896 for the rehabilitation of Lift Stations 39, 64, 65, and 119. The firm brings a strong regional track record in municipal utility and pump station upgrades, drawing on extensive past work for the City of Naples and Collier County. Engineered Spray Solutions secured a $557,433.96 contract for the lining of 300 manholes, while Flotech Environmental was awarded $1,616,487.80 for underground utilities and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining. The city also finalized plans to decommission outdated water infrastructure, approving a contract amendment with Utility Services Co. to demolish an elevated water tower located at the IMAG History and Science Center. The amendment increases the five-year contract total to $4,152,870. Matthew Johnson, Executive Director of the IMAG History and Science Center, addressed the council to support the demolition, noting that the 1995-era structure had become a safety concern. "The cost to save it cannot be justified for basically a giant 200-foot sign," Johnson said, confirming the tower had lived beyond its useful life. To mitigate the operational impacts of the demolition on the museum site, the council approved $133,483 in compensation to IMAG. According to city staff and Johnson, the funds will cover lost revenue, signage replacement, and the construction of a new covered pavilion utilizing the remaining 20 feet of the tower's legs.