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For the first time during the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD)’s multi-year, $7.5 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) — the largest in Miami-Dade County’s history — the department has invested $500 million in critical projects in less than one fiscal year.
Reaching this financial milestone increases the department’s overall investment to more than $835 million in the past 20 months.
“It has been a priority of my administration to accelerate these vital projects,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These construction projects and upgrades are needed to ensure continued uninterrupted service to our community. By investing in state-of-the-art utility upgrades, we are proactively planning for future population growth, while also safeguarding our natural resources and Biscayne Bay. We are creating good jobs to grow our economy, and securing a win for the environment, our customers, and our workforce.”
WASD also is future proofing its treatment plants and infrastructure as part of these upgrades.
“We account for climate change and sea level rise when executing these infrastructure investments to ensure that our system is resilient and sustainable,” said WASD director Roy Coley. “These upgrades also include infrastructure hardening that allow for the treatment plants to operate during severe weather events.”
The CIP is an economic engine that will create 17,000 new jobs during the first 10 years, increase service capacity supporting more businesses to open in the community and improve the reliability and sustainability of the water and sewer system. During the first decade alone, $24.9 billion will be generated in positive economic output within Miami-Dade County.
Some of the noteworthy, accelerated projects include:
Installation of a 54-inch water transmission line at the Hialeah Water Treatment Plant:
• The $24 million project consists of the installation of 17,000 linear feet of a 54-inch water main to provide a redundant feed for the northern portion of Miami-Dade County. The pipeline is of critical importance, ensuring continuous water service for north Miami-Dade County in the event of service impacts to the current primary pipeline. It also provides an opportunity to rehabilitate the existing pipeline, resulting in improved long-term system resilience.
Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant:
• The $31 million construction of a new pump station will provide the ability for the department to transition from disposing of treated effluent through the ocean outfall to the injection wells that allow the department to comply with state environmental mandates. This and similar projects have been accelerated to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
South District Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion:
• Eight individual construction projects — representing a total investment of $600 million — will ensure future plant capacity for the southern region of the county. Among the eight projects, WASD is constructing a new electrical distribution building that will provide power backup and energy management systems. Additionally, WASD is steadfast in its commitment to finding the most cost-effective, technologically sound solutions for its projects. This includes the replacement of low-speed generators with high-speed EPA Tier 4-certified generators that increase reliability and reduce emissions while also saving energy.
It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers. For additional information about Department services and programs, visit the WASD website at www.miamidade.gov/global/water/home.page.
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