Milton, FL – After years of studies and public input, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners made the decision Thursday, Jan. 12, to approve the transfer of approximately 100 acres of county-owned land designated as the disposal site for the City’s new water reclamation facility in East Milton. The new facility will eventually replace the current downtown plant that is nearing full capacity.
The City will use $9.7 million in FEMA funding to decommission the current plant, which sits in a flood zone less than 10 feet above the Blackwater River and discharges all effluent directly into the river. The new facility will remove permanently 100% of the discharge from the river.
City Manager Randy Jorgenson said the County’s approval is a win for residents, with major long-term environmental and economic benefits.
“While it took us some time to reach this decision, I am pleased with the positive response from the Board of County Commissioners. They recognize the importance of the project to all of Santa Rosa County,” said Jorgenson.
Project construction is expected to break ground in 2023. For more information, please contact the City of Milton at 850-983-5400, or email us at pio@miltonfl.org.