Agenda Item Name:
Title
Update on Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Groundwater Recharge Wetland Project
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Presenter:
Kristen Sealy, Engineer and Utility Designer IV, Department of Water/Wastewater Engineering for GRU, 352-393-1621; Rick Hutton, Supervising Engineer and Utility Designer, Sustainability Department for GRU, 352-393-1218; and Jason Maurer, Parks and Opens Space Director for Alachua County, 352-213-4796
Description:
Staff will provide an update on the progress of the groundwater recharge wetland project which GRU is constructing in order to increase recharge to the Floridan Aquifer. The project includes a partnership with Alachua County for providing public access and park facilities.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
City Commission and Board of County Commissioners receive a presentation from staff.
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Prior Board Motions:
N/A
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Funding for the groundwater recharge wetland project has already been approved by the city commission. The construction of the wetland project is expected to cost between $8 and $10 million. This amount does not include Alachua County expenditures for public access/park facilities.
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Goal 2 - Sustainable Community
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Background:
The groundwater recharge wetland project is being constructed with cost share funding from the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The wetland will receive reclaimed water from the Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility and recharge the Floridan aquifer with high-quality, low-nutrient water, and will provide an environmental benefit by supporting flows at the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and area springs. The project is part of the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan and is integral to our community’s water resource management plan. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project will provide cost-effective, long-term beneficial reuse of reclaimed water to meet GRU future needs as our community grows.
GRU staff last updated the city commission in February 2022 and received approval to negotiate a contract with a design-build firm to design and construct the wetland. It has taken some time to complete the agreements between GRU, SRWMD, and the FDEP for funding the construction of the project which has delayed the completion of the contract with the design-build firm. However, we are very close to completing both contracts, and expect to start the design phase in 2023. GRU will provide a status update, which includes the project schedule.
Alachua County is partnering with GRU to manage public access to the wetland after it is constructed, and has plans to add improved parking, restroom facilities and a playground. Alachua County staff will also provide a brief update on plans for public access.