Community VoicesGroundbreaking on key part of $410 million system is expected this month.
Riviera Beach City Council members unanimously approved a $280 million water plant, a major step as the city rebuilds its water system.
Driving the news: Thursday night’s vote by council members sitting as the board of the water utility district came after three meetings focused on the cost, finances and local hiring requirements for the plant.
The new plant will use membranes to filter salt, minerals and other substances out of the drinking water. It will replace the 67-year-old lime-softening plant.
Catch up quick: The decision was delayed for two months while council members examined their options, including exiting the project.
Why it matters: The city is under pressure to replace its failing water system.
- In 2024, Riviera Beach was fined by the Florida Department of Health over its water quality.
- If the council did not move forward, construction of the water plant could have been delayed for a year or longer.
What they’re saying: “Every time you delay, we pay,” Riviera Beach resident Erika Davis said during the public comments before the vote.
Flashback: In 2021, the city selected the joint venture of Jacksonville-based Haskell and Boston-based CDM Smith engineering firms to design and oversee construction. City leaders expect to spend about $410 million building the new plant and rebuilding the water distribution system.
The first four components of the project, including site preparation and new wells, have been approved for $71 million. The plant would be substantially complete in 2029, and water customers will bear the cost.
“Our tap water will be clean, pure,” Assistant Utility Director Richard Gallant said Thursday during the meeting. “The best water in Palm Beach County, or I would venture to say the state.”
Zoom in: After Council Member Bruce Guyton urged an increase last month, the local hiring target for the plant’s construction was raised from the original 15% to 20%.
What’s next: Water Utility Director Joshua Niemann promised a groundbreaking on the new plant this month.
Who wrote this story: This story was reported by Community Voices writers Abigail Guillaume and Mikala Graham.
What is CV: Community Voices is a partnership between Stet News and Inlet Grove High School. Stet News is underwriting the pilot to train and pay students to cover Riviera Beach.
Inlet Grove High School journalism teacher C.B. Hanif and Stet’s Carolyn DiPaolo and Liz Capozzi contributed to this story.
