Pasco County greenlights development financing following New Port Richey wastewater capacity assurances

Pasco County greenlights development financing following New Port Richey wastewater capacity assurancesThe Board of County Commissioners approved a critical financing application for a new development after utility officials confirmed the jointly used New Port Richey wastewater plant is operating well within its 7.5 million gallon per day limit.

The New Port Richey wastewater plant is currently operating at 61% of its permitted capacity.

The facility treats approximately 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD), split equally between Pasco County and city customers.

The board's approval allows a proposed development to apply for a 9% state tax credit.

Separately, the board approved the Zephyrhills Area Floodwater Relief Ditch project to address regional flooding issues.

Pasco County commissioners approved a financing application for a new development on August 11, but only after seeking explicit assurances regarding wastewater treatment capacity at the New Port Richey facility. Utilities Engineering and Contract Management Director Adolfo Gonzalez addressed the board to alleviate concerns over potential capacity bottlenecks. He reported that the New Port Richey wastewater plant is currently operating at about 61% of its permitted capacity. The facility is permitted to treat up to 7.5 million gallons per day (MGD). Current flows are approximately 4.5 MGD, which is split evenly between Pasco County customers and City of New Port Richey customers, reflecting an equal partnership in the facility's use. "As far as we know, the plant has no stressors that are affecting their operational abilities to treat wastewater coming into the plant," Gonzalez stated. The capacity confirmation was required to advance Consent Item C46, an approval for a development to apply for a 9% state tax credit. Community Development representative Mary Therrien clarified that the board's action only structures the financing application, and the development must still navigate standard county planning and permitting processes. Following these assurances, the board approved the item with a revised certification. In a separate water infrastructure move during the same meeting, the board approved Consent Item C25, the Zephyrhills Area Floodwater Relief Ditch and Drainage Improvement Project. The project will establish a new ditch to accelerate the removal of floodwaters heading south out of Zephyrhills, addressing longstanding drainage and debris-accumulation issues in the area.