The cost

The math (cost per unit) is a moving target until a contract is awarded for the construction

• The total cost comprises:
  • Engineering designs
  • Permits
  • Right-of-way and easement acquisition
  • Contracts
  • Inspections
• Identifying numbers in a paragraph makes it challenging to understand the math when presented this way
• A table works best to present the data
• Staff is working to provide a total cost and per-unit cost for Cypress Bend and Sunny Grove
• The Village Council determines village funding for a portion

Is there a requirement to hook up/connect when potable water and sanitary sewer are available?

New developments

• Section 5-1002 of the Village LDC provides the reference requiring the connection to LCU potable water or sanitary sewer for new construction within 90 days of development order approval.

Existing residences, businesses, churches, etc.

• Referenced in the LCU Potable Water and Sanitary Sewer connection requirement is in the Village code of ordinances, Chapter 12
  • Mandatory hookups.The Village Council declares that it is the policy of the Village to require that each on-site sewage disposal system in the Village, developed under the provisions of applicable law (except approved on-site gray water systems developed under the provisions of law and administrative rules), shall connect to a public, nonprofit, or investor-owned central wastewater collection system within 365 days after notification by mail or by publication that such system’s collection lines have been installed immediately adjoining the property served by the on-site system. Upon such connection, the owner or beneficiary of such on-site system shall cease to use any other method for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste, or other polluting matter. All such connections shall be made in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations for such connections, which applicable rules and regulations may provide, among other things, for a charge for making any such connection in such reasonable amounts as shall be determined by the appropriate authority and pursuant to applicable law.

The Three Areas That Are Currently Undergoing Utilities Expansion Work

Cypress Bend

Trailer Home Community

Equally bearing the cost of the assessment across 402 properties

Presently, utilizing a centralized “package plant” for sewage

• A Package Plant, also known as a Package Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • This prefabricated system uses biological extended aeration to treat wastewater from individual properties or small communities
  • These communities are significantly less costly to convert to public utilities, as they have infrastructure connected to each lot
• The system is old and failing

Potable water is available/utilized on site

Effort to date:

• Construction Notice to Proceed was issued to Wright Construction on July 16th, 2025, with a start date of July 21st, 2025
• Should be completed within 365 days of receipt of the Notice to Proceed.
• Pump station electric waiting on FP&L to connect
• FP&L connection expected within 60-90 days
• “Shovel in the Ground” after that

Cost per unit: not available at this time.

Grants

Village staff, council members, and hired lobbyists are working to secure as many grants as possible:

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

• $21.9M grant requested
• Typically, funds cover 85% of the cost
• Lee County funds remaining

FDEP Grants

• Village staff are working on a table that will provide clarification of the situation and cost implications

Homeowners, Businesses, Churches, etc., could pay different amounts to connect to potable water and sanitary sewer:

Connection will depend on:

• Density of units within the community
• Distance – length of pipe required
• Complexity
• Location of nearest sanitary sewer pumping station
• Grants available

Will there be additional charges to connect from the road to the individual unit?

David Willems has indicated that the plan is to include water and sewer connections within the Village project.

What’s next?

• Awaiting grant funding for communities along the Estero River:
  • Estero River Heights
  • Quarterdeck Cove
  • Luettich Lane
  • Cranbrook Harbor (Charing Cross)
  • Estero Bay Village
• Request for Bids to be released
• Request for Bids evaluated
• Council approves Construction Contract
• Notice to Proceed executed
• “Shovel in the Ground”