FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 27, 2014
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.
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