MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN WATER SYSTEM UPGRADES COMING TO FREEPORT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 27, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN WATER SYSTEM UPGRADES COMING TO FREEPORT

~Commercial and residential growth lead to expansion and upgrade of system~

TALLAHASSEE – The city of Freeport is experiencing residential and commercial growth and will soon receive upgrades to its water system to meet those demands thanks to a $2,015,345 investment from the state of Florida.

“These upgrades coming to Freeport are important to keep up with the demands of this growing community,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “This investment will ensure area businesses and residents have adequate access to a quality water supply.”

“These important improvements in Freeport’s water system are a direct result of citizens’ concerns from our Freeport Neighborhood Day last year,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz. “I’m grateful to my legislative colleagues and Governor Scott for supporting my proposal for state funding for this project. It will mean an improved water system for residents and substantial additional capacity for growth.”

“I am pleased that the Legislature was able to provide critical funding for these projects,” said Rep. Marti Coley. “While other infrastructure projects in the area, such as the expansion of Highway 331, are in progress it is vital that funding be made available for water-supply improvements as well so the city of Freeport can promote and keep pace with economic growth.”

One of the projects involves connecting the existing water system along Highway 331 North to the Defuniak Springs water system that ends just north of the intersection of Wagon Wheel Road and Highway 331. This connection will provide an alternative means of water supply to the city of Freeport so in the event of a drought, natural disaster or any other emergency a safe and reliable means of potable water will be available to neighboring water systems. 

The connection will also provide water service to the area between the city of Freeport and DeFuniak Springs that currently does not have potable water available. The project will allow for present water demands to be met, while also providing a water supply for future growth.

The second project involves upgrading or extending five water mains within Freeport’s current service area. The modifications are necessary to meet the demands of customers, ensure adequate pressure throughout the system and provide additional fire protection to residents. Several areas within the system have undersized water mains that need to be upgraded to a minimum of 6-inch PVC water main to meet demand.

Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of December 2015.