2023-24 City of Winter Haven Federal Legislative Priorities

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Winter Haven Population: 53,000+

Polk County Population: 780,000+

50-Mile Radius Population: 3,400,000 +

100-Mile Radius Population: 9,700,000+

State of Florida Population: 22,000,000+

GET TO KNOW WINTER HAVEN

With a history in citrus, lakes, and Americana rock & roll, the Winter Haven, Florida experience is a chorus of modern lifestyle possibilities in harmony with our roots. Winter Haven is where affordable lake living is a reality, and water play is a natural requirement. It’s a place where there’s a concert on every corner and family excitement in every park. It’s a town that chooses to differentiate itself with an understated cool vibe. Arts and culture, playful fun, music fusion, affordable homes, a craft brewery, and local eateries are just a sampling of daily life. And let’s not forget about Winter Haven’s hometown connection to family-friendly LEGOLAND Florida Resort just down the block from the City core.

Winter Haven continues to experience steady, quality growth as it transforms into a distinctively unique City, embracing the values and needs of its residents. Partnerships and a cooperative spirit make Winter Haven an attractive City for new businesses and entrepreneurs. The City’s progress and success are owned by each of its residents, and planning for the future can never stop. Winter Haven is an exceptional destination offering all of life’s desires within its boundaries. The City of Winter Haven staff looks forward to serving its residents, businesses and visitors as we all enjoy Winter Haven’s special lifestyle.

26.52% Growth in the last 5 years.

41.02 Square Miles in City Limits

50 Lakes

6.1 per day

$1.3 billion Investments in the last 10 yrs.

88 New Affordable Housing Units In Construction

250+/yr Container Shipments

83,000+ Greater Service Area Population

53,000+ City Limits Population

People moving to Winter Haven

SEEKING FUNDING FOR PRIORITY PROJECTS

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT #3 EXPANSION

$178,000,000

WINTER HAVEN

The Chain of Lakes City

The expansion of Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 is a vital project that will ensure sustainable water resources for the Winter Haven area. This project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art expanded wastewater treatment facility with advanced nutrient removal. Portions of the facility will be used for solids handling and water recycling treatment in conjunction with a future acquifer storage and recovery system. The expansion will provide a greater supply of reuse water to the city, saving valuable potable water, and will be a vital part of the One Water master plan to recharge the aquifer. With a total cost of $178 million, the City is proposing to use a WIFIA loan to help support the funding for the construction of the new facility which would cover 49% of the cost. We are seeking federal funding support to cover the remaining 51%. Without federal funding, the City’s utilities budget and user rates for customers will need to be increased, impacting the affordability of water services. However, this project is a long-term investment in the region’s water resources, and the benefits to the community and environment are significant. Read More: Pages 4 - 9

N. LAKE SHIPP DRIVE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS

$6,000,000

North Lake Shipp Drive is a critical roadway that serves a Low to Moderate Income (LMI) census track area and is recognized by the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) as a primary corridor. The road is heavily used by people within LMI census tracks and is one of the busiest in the City. However, it faces significant challenges, including poor paving conditions, a lack of existing drainage infrastructure, and a very old gravity sewer system with high infiltration and inflow. The project aims to address these issues through a range of innovative solutions, including green stormwater infrastructure and replacing the entire gravity sewer system. Read More: Pages 10 - 15

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT #3 EXPANSION

The City of Winter Haven (City) owns, maintains, and operates a system of potable water, reclaimed water utility, and wastewater facilities. This includes:

• Wastewater Treatment Plant #2, permitted at 1.7 million gallons per day (mgd) annual average daily flow (AADF).

• Wastewater Treatment Plant #3, permitted at 7.5 million gallons per day (mgd) annual average daily flow (AADF).

• (Note that there is no WWTP #1.)

WATER SERVICE AREA & FACILITY LOCATIONS

WWTP #2

WWTP #3

Existing facilities have been in commission since the 1970s and need substantial upgrades to fulfill the service capacity to the current and growing population in the region.

Consolidation of WWTP#2 and WWTP#3 consists of diverting all the raw wastewater flows from WWTP #2, pumping them through a 16-inch force main to the Master LS #1050 on Cletus Allen Road, then allowing that Master LS to pump the wastewater to be treated at WWTF #3. No major upgrades (e.g., wet well sizing) would be anticipated at the Master LS #1050 to accommodate the projected future flows of this setup. Figure 2-5 presents the conceptual force main alignment.

Construction of a new wastewater treatment facility at the existing WWTP #3 to handle the combined flows from WWTP #2 and #3’s basins, then the existing plants would be decommissioned with the exception of the reclaimed water storage tanks. Given the age of both plants (50 + years), it is challenging to extend the life much further. A fully-functional brand new plant is required to serve the City of Winter Haven’s future demands. The new plant will not only handle the current flow to both WWTP #2 and #3, but also the projected future flows through 2045. This will provide the City with reliable facilities that will be built to the current standards and best serve the needs of the growing population in the area.

CONSOLIDATION THROUGH 10-INCH FORCE MAIN

There is plenty of space available at the WWTP #3 site to expand the facility to accommodate additional flows from WWTP #2 and those projected due to future growth in the region. WWTP #3’s current site of more than 190 acres in South Winter Haven will serve as the location of the project.

POPULATION PROJECTIONS

Population and potable water demand for both WWTPs were determined by Geographic Information System (GIS) overlay of the plant service areas shown on Figure 1-1, and the neighborhood-level population and demand projections developed for the WHOW Phase 1 planning effort. The high population projections were applied to be conservative.

FLOW CAPACITY NEED

The new facility will be expanded to not only handle the current combined flows, but also the projected 2045 future flows of a combined 8.65 mgd AADF for the full wastewater collection service area.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

The Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 project will reuse portions of the existing treatment facility for solids (sludge) handling for the new, expanded facility. Additionally, the future water treatment units will act as part of the aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery systems. The plant will help offset the water supply demands in the future, aligning with Winter Haven’s commitment to the One Water Holistic Approach. This also provides water storage for drought periods to aid with all types of water consumption demands, lake levels, and wetland maintenance.

WATER RESOURCES

This project will have a positive impact on the region’s precious water resources by providing a greater supply of reuse water to the City and its residents, saving valuable potable water. Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 expansion is a vital part of the One Water Master Plan, including restoration of historic wetlands and recharge to the aquifer enhancing sustainable water resources in the City and larger region.

COST, FUNDING & IMPACT TO CUSTOMERS

The Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 project is anticipated to cost $178,000,000. The City is working through a variety of funding options to bring this project to completion. These include:

• Utilizing a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to help support the funding for the construction of the new facility. The City has begun the application process. If approved, the loan would equate to 49% of the total cost of the project. The City would be responsible to repay this over time, which will likely impact customer rates.

• The City is pursuing grant funding opportunities at the federal and state level to fund the remaining 51% of the project costs.

The anticipated annual debt service associated with the WIFIA loan for construction of the new facility is approximately $4.2 million per year starting in 2033. The City’s Wastewater Connection Fees and Sewer User Rates will need to increase to help support construction of the new facility and the annual debt service associated with the WIFIA loan. All grant funding and appropriations to support the project will lessen the financial impact on customers.

RENDERING OF A NEW 12 MGD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

TIMELINE

This project is of urgent need due to rapidly growing population and old age of the current Wastewater Treatment Plants. These key milestones are anticipated:

• Fall 2023: Complete the One Water Complex Master Plan $ 250,000

• Fall 2023 - Spring 2025: Design and Permitting $ 2,000,000

Spring 2025 - Fall 2027: Construction

• Spring 2025: Master Lift Station at WWTP#2 & Force Main $ 18,000,000*

• Spring 2026: WWTP#2 Conversion and Decommissioning $ 10,000,000

• Spring 2026: WWTP#3 Expansion $160,000,000*

* The requested $178,000,000 includes the capital needed to build a new Master Lift Station and Force Main and complete the WWTP#3 Expansion.

CONGRESSMAN FRANKLIN’S APPROPRIATION REQUEST

N. LAKE SHIPP DRIVE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS

North Lake Shipp Drive is a critical roadway connecting residents from neighborhoods to the core of the City. It is recognized by the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) as a primary corridor. With more than 6,000 cars traversing the road each day it is one of the busiest roads in Winter Haven.

LOCATION

North Lake Shipp Drive is located along the North and North-West edges of Lake Shipp. The road is positioned with two major thoroughfares on the west (Recker Highway and Winter Lake Road) and two on the east (US 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard). It is connected by 15th Street to South Lake Howard Drive to the North. This positioning makes it a major part of the connectivity into and through Winter Haven.

ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT Stormwater Mitigation

One of the primary challenges facing North Lake Shipp Drive is the lack of an existing drainage infrastructure, including flooding into residential homes. The average rainfall in Winter Haven annually is 46.1 inches, well above the national average of 38.1 inches. The current drainage system on North Lake Shipp Drive cannot sufficiently handle increased runoff. The project proposes using green stormwater infrastructure to capture stormwater through vegetation, rain gardens, and swales. These solutions will allow for the natural process of water treatment while also reducing the strain on the City’s wastewater treatment system.

Gravity Sewer System

The gravity sewer system on North Lake Shipp Drive is in need of replacement and expansion. It currently suffers high infiltration and inflow, leading to leaks and unnecessary increased flow at the wastewater treatment plant. The project aims to replace the entire gravity sewer system end-toend, including increasing the size of the pipe to accommodate the growing population.

Additional Utility Upgrades and Relocations

The project proposes upgrading and relocating utilities, including the electric and water systems, to improve their reliability and functionality. TECO, the electric utility company, is considering undergrounding the electric lines through the corridor, which would improve the appearance of the road and reduce the risk of power outages during storms. The water system upgrades will replace the current asbestos cement (AC) water main. In total, 1100 feet of water main will be replaced.

Roadway Improvements

The roadway improvements will include improving the paving conditions through resurfacing and realignment. Sidewalks and a multi-use path will be included along the entire length of the project. Improved lighting and landscaping will be included in the project. All together, these improvements will improve the road’s appearance and functionality while also improving the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

POPULATION SERVED

Due to it’s position between residential areas and the City’s downtown, medical, and retail areas, the proposed project’s area of benefit meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) National Objective of LMI beneficiaries with a benefit area equaling 51%. Polk County is also designated as a HUD Most Impacted or Distressed (MID) county.

The above graphic shows the points of origin for vehicles traveling through the project corridor. These areas include multiple Low to Moderate Income (LMI) census tracks. Data provided by Streetlight.

RISK MITIGATION

The risks that will be mitigated by the completion of this stormwater and road improvements project include the potential devastating loss of life and property as a result of flooding. North Lake Shipp Drive is often used as a bi-pass route between major arterials. Flooding in this area makes travel dangerous.

There are currently no sidewalks in the neighborhood, leaving pedestrians in a situation that is unfavorable after a major rain event. This project will provide stormwater drainage mitigation such that residents walking to school, public transit, and for exercise are provided with a safer environment for them to walk versus traversing through standing water.

Another risk that will be mitigated through the completion of this project includes the protection of Lake Shipp from stormwater runoff leading to the impairment of the waterbody. By including green stormwater infrastructure, the runoff will not discharge directly into the lake. Stormwater will be “treated” prior to groundwater intrusion with the implementation of French Drains and Rain Gardens.

The City needs to be proactive in taking these mitigation steps now, and this project is necessary to protect Winter Haven’s residents, visitors, businesses, and homes from the risks associated with flooding, while providing safe routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters, and preserve and protect the unique resources of Lake Shipp and its ecosystem by reducing both discharge volume and harmful nutrients (i.e. pollutants) in stormwater runoff.

Paths of travel through the corridor. Data provided by Streetlight.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

The road currently faces significant challenges, including poor paving conditions scoring only 40 out of 100. The road has been paved over so many times the curb is now buried resulting in inadequate drainage infrastructure. The water and sewer systems are aged, lack sufficient capacity, and suffer high infiltration and inflow. The boulevard-style road with limited median crossings prevents citizens living at approximately 70 residences from easily accessing their property from either direction. Additionally, the coordidor lacks pedestrian or multi-modal transportation infrastructure.

PROPOSED TYPICAL SECTION

The length of the project is approximately 3,100 linear feet (LF) and the existing cross section will be modified from a grass-median-separated roadway to a 2-lane, center-crown-pitched roadway, allowing for the inclusion of the described project elements. The design will include a separate multi-use path. All of these goals can be achieved without the need for obtaining any additional right-of-way.

The realignment of North Lake Shipp Drive will not only mitigate recurring drainage issues along the corridor, but also eliminate the use of the grass median as parking and illegal “cross-overs” by residents.

LETTERS OF SUPPORT

FOR THE N. LAKE SHIPP DRIVE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

863-293-2138

March 13, 2023

Attention: Office of Congressman Franklin 124 S. Florida Ave, Suite 304 Lakeland, FL 338801

To Whom it May Concern:

On behalf of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, please accept this letter of support for the North Lake Shipp Drive Corridor Improvements project being proposed by the City of Winter Haven. Funding this project would make safety enhancements by creating pedestrian infrastructure where none exists today and will improve stormwater drainage along North Lake Shipp Drive.

The current drainage system on North Lake Shipp Drive cannot sufficiently handle increased runoff. The roadway and utility improvements requested will improve stormwater management along the North Lake Shipp Drive corridor and reduce the possibility of flooding in the adjacent residential area. These critical improvements along this busy corridor will have lasting positive impacts on the community for decades to come.

Polk County has been repeatedly recognized as a dangerous place to be a pedestrian. In fact, as recently as 2020, the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metro area was recognized as the 9th most dangerous place for bicyclists and pedestrians in the United States. Polk County’s Transportation Planning Organization worked diligently to identify the sidewalk gaps around the county and has now prioritized new sidewalk projects within a 2 miles radius of schools. This section of North Lake Shipp Drive is .9 miles from Lake Shipp Elementary School and 1.9 miles from Winter Haven High School. In addition to being a walking path for several schools this section of roadway is located approximately 1.5 miles from the heart of downtown Winter Haven and less than a mile from many lakefront restaurants and major shopping plazas where individuals regularly risk their lives to walk without a sidewalk.

The City of Winter Haven has our support for any improvements that can be made to mitigate these issues and protect the community by both providing safer pedestrian walkways and increasing stormwater handling capacity.

Investments like the North Lake Shipp Drive Corridor Improvements can help improve these unsafe conditions for the benefit of our students, our workforce, and the community. I appreciate your consideration of this project. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can provide any further insights into this project’s value.

Sara Beth Wyatt President & CEO | Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce sarabeth@winterhavenchamber.com | 863.604.2023

Katrina Hill Director of Public Affairs and Communication khill@mywinterhaven.com

Eric Labbe Director or Economic Opportunity and Community Investment elabbe@mywinterhaven.com

Brad Dantzler Mayor bdantzler@mywinterhaven.com

Tracy Mercer Commissioner cmercer@mywinterhaven.com

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M.J. Carnevale Public Works Director mcarnevale@mywinterhaven.com

C.J. Scott Chief Financial Officer cjscott@mywinterhaven.com

Nathaniel Birdsong, Jr. Mayor Pro-Tem nbirdsong@mywinterhaven.com

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Gary Hubbard Water Director ghubbard@mywinterhaven.com

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