More Construction Dollars In South Hendry

Water Management's Multi-Million Dollar Project Expands

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board has approved an 8,800-acre expansion of treatment wetlands in southeastern Hendry County to further improve water quality flowing into the Florida Everglades. The construction of �Compartment C� will connect two existing Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) in the Everglades Agricultural Area and more than double water treatment capability at the site.

The project is located north of the Big Cypress Indian Reservation in south Hendry county. Stormwater Treatment Areas are the water-cleaning workhorses of Everglades restoration, naturally using plants to remove phosphorus from water flowing into the Everglades.

With design and permitting for the $47.5-million project complete, Harry Pepper & Associates can now begin work. The Florida-based firm was selected in a state-regulated bidding process. As part of the contract, certified businesses in the District�s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program will receive 25 percent of the work, totaling more than $12 million.

Additionally, 20 percent of the labor as well as 5 percent of sub-contracting dollars will go directly to vendors in western Palm Beach County. Several firms from the Glades area have already been sub-contracted to participate in the multi-year construction effort.

Construction of Compartment C expands on earlier District projects to build, operate, expand and enhance six Stormwater Treatment Areas south of Lake Okeechobee. These wetlands are components of the Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals, a legislatively approved blueprint to improve water quality in the Everglades.