Collier OKs $11.6M Boost to Engineering Design for Northeast Water & Wastewater Plants

Planning Ahead for Explosive Growth

On June 24, Collier County Commissioners unanimously approved an $11.68 million increase to the engineering design contract with Carollo Engineers Inc., bringing the total to $32.33 million. The funds support design work for a 4–6 MGD wastewater reclamation facility, a 10 MGD water treatment plant, and related infrastructure in Northeast Collier—part of a larger $438 million buildout to meet demand from five new villages and towns.

Why This Step Matters

• Decades in the making: This project has been on hold since the 2000s, paused during the recession, then reactivated in 2017. Now, the timing aligns with population forecasts targeting 2031 .

• Modular tech leap: The updated designs include nanofiltration, reverse osmosis for water, and advanced wastewater processing—ensuring efficiency, regulatory compliance, and scalable growth.

• Strategic site placement: The facilities will serve areas east of the fairgrounds, near Palmetto Ridge High School and new development zones.

Long-Term Timeline

• Design phase now underway through 2028

• Construction expected by 2028–2029, with full operational readiness aimed for 2031 

• Funded by developer impact fees, with total estimated cost ~$438 million (subject to inflation)

Community & Business Impacts

• Growth enabler: New infrastructure clears a major bottleneck for the region’s planned villages—SkySail, Rivergrass, Big Cypress, Bellmar, Brightshore—boosting real estate, services, and local jobs.

• Smart public investment: Continuing with Carollo ensures design consistency, guards past investment, and avoids steep consultant onboarding costs.

• Cost context: Engineering design now comprises ~7% of full project cost—aligned with best practices seen in similar-scale utilities projects.