Pasco Reporter

Dade City, FL - The city of Dade City has received a significant boost in funding for the relocation and upgrade of its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) thanks to a $1,750,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The funds were secured by Congressman Gus Bilirakis as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which allocated resources to 483 water infrastructure projects across the country.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis expressed his commitment to ensuring his community receives its fair share of federal resources. He said, "It is important for me to be transparent about my efforts to prioritize important community needs and provide targeted support. I am proud to have secured this funding for a project Dade City and the residents of Mickens-Harper have hoped for since 2011, and I'll keep working to address water quality issues throughout Florida's 12th Congressional District."

The current WWTP in Dade City was built in the historically black community of Mickens-Harper in the 1950s and is now nearing its capacity. The relocation and upgrade project will not only address the capacity issue but also provide significant environmental benefits. The current site is adjacent to the Green Swamp, where the Withlacoochee River meets the Hillsborough River Watersheds. Relocating the WWTP will ensure better protection for the adjacent waterways through the use of a 3-stage biological nutrient removal process.

Furthermore, the project will greatly improve the conditions for the Mickens-Harper neighborhood. It will bring about reduced noise, traffic, and odors, while creating more open space and improving aesthetics. The city also anticipates economic benefits from the project, with the creation of 150 new jobs during the construction process.

City Manager Leslie Porter expressed gratitude for the partnership with Congressman Bilirakis and the advocacy in securing funding for the WWTP upgrade and relocation. Porter said, "The funding makes it possible to fast-track this important project. As Dade City continues moving in a forward direction, relocating the plant will address that environmental injustice. The City is committed to providing our residents in this community a better quality of life. As our existing plant nears capacity, the new facility will accommodate growth while protecting our watershed and waterbodies. This benefits us all."

The funding received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will play a crucial role in improving the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Dade City. It not only addresses the capacity issue but also ensures better environmental protection and enhanced living conditions for the Mickens-Harper neighborhood. The project is a testament to the commitment of Congressman Bilirakis and the city of Dade City to prioritize community needs and secure the resources necessary for their fulfillment.

To learn more, click on this link: https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/dade-city-receives-175-million-federal-funding-bilirakis-community-budget