Michael Knowles

This document presents the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority's 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan and 20-Year Capital Needs Assessment. The plan outlines proposed capital projects focusing on new water supply, regional transmission, and system-wide benefits over a 20-year period. It aims to drive the planning, design, and construction of significant infrastructure to meet the region's water demands, ensuring a sustainable, interconnected regional water supply system through cooperation and collaboration.

The board discussed current water supply conditions, including drought management and recovery efforts. Members reviewed the draft 5-year Capital Improvements Plan and 20-year Capital Needs Assessment. The board accepted a revised Classification and Pay Plan following a salary market analysis. Additionally, the board approved a water purchase request for the City of Punta Gorda and held discussions regarding the interconnect water charge. The meeting also included the approval of the tentative budget for fiscal year 2027 and the establishment of preliminary schedules for rates, fees, and charges.

The Board of Directors reviewed the status of the Regional Integrated Loop System Phase 2B Interconnect Project, specifically focusing on the progress of pipeline installation across three segments and the status of easement acquisitions. The discussion addressed permitting efforts, design-build construction schedules, and collaboration with Charlotte County regarding parallel water main installations and associated amendments to interlocal agreements. The report outlined cumulative installation milestones for steel and HDPE piping and provided updates on regulatory consultations and wetland mitigation credits.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed various administrative and operational agenda items, including setting a public hearing for the fiscal year 2027 budget, reviewing mid-year financial status and investment reports, and discussing several infrastructure projects such as the SCADA software conversion, plant concrete restoration, PFAS treatment evaluation, and plant electric service resiliency. Regular agenda items featured a water supply conditions report, capital improvement planning, legislative session reviews, and updates on water charges. Routine status reports were provided regarding hydrologic conditions, ongoing capital projects including reservoir and interconnect system developments, and facility expansions.

The Board of Directors discussed current water supply conditions, focusing on drought management, reduced river flows, and the status of reservoir storage. Key items included the implementation of emergency water shortage orders by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the authorization for additional river water withdrawals under emergency permits, and ongoing efforts to optimize regional water production sources. The board also reviewed ASR recovery operations, system pressure adjustments, and intensified conservation messaging to manage demand throughout the dry season.