By Richard Luthmann
On Tuesday, the Lee Board of County Commissioners green-light a $14.5 million contract with CDM Smith for a significant overhaul of the Fort Myers Beach Water Reclamation Facility. This project focuses on restoring the facility’s capacity and updating its infrastructure, which took a heavy hit from Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
Awarded through a competitive bidding process, the contract encompasses the design, permitting, and construction engineering efforts required to rehabilitate the facility. It aims to address the treatment capacity loss, aging infrastructure, and extensive damages caused by the hurricane.
Before Hurricane Ian struck, Lee County had completed a master plan in July 2022, laying out essential improvements to boost the facility’s treatment capacity for future demands up to the year 2050. The plan also aimed to ensure the facility’s efficient operation and compliance with Advanced Water Treatment standards.
The facility’s encounter with Hurricane Ian resulted in severe flooding, saltwater intrusion, and significant electrical failures due to storm surge. The master plan was revised to incorporate necessary repairs and enhance resilience against future climate-related threats.