Florida Governmental Utility Authority Takes Ownership and Care Of MacDill Air Force Base Water/Wastewater Facilities
The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), which already provides water and wastewater services for more than 80,000 customers in the state, is the new owner of the water and wastewater facilities at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.
The FGUA was selected to acquire the system last June after the U.S. Department of Defense invited interest from more than 750 entities for the MacDill system. The 50-year agreement between the government and the FGUA is worth more than $200 million.
A Bill of Sale was executed Feb. 28. The FGUA officially assumed ownership of the utility on March 1, paying $17.7 million. The FGUA takes over a system that distributes approximately 1 million gallons of water per day, and treats approximately 400,000 gallons of wastewater each day.
The FGUA has contracted with U.S. Water Services Corp., a New Port Richey water/wastewater utility management, operations and construction company, to operate and maintain the system, as well as implement capital improvements. System management, financial administration, capital program management and inspection services are provided by Governmental Services Group Inc., a Tallahassee-based management and financial consulting firm.
MacDill AFB Project Overview
· More than 12,000 military personnel and 1,300 civilians are based at MacDill. More than 6,300 people – including families of military members – live on base. The base itself covers 5,630 acres of land, and is home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, the host unit at MacDill, and supports U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Central Command, along with 14 additional tenant organizations.
· The system has one drinking water and one wastewater plant. FGUA is planning nearly $17 million in system improvements between 2011 and 2015.
· The system is expected to serve approximately 4,400 water and 2,600 wastewater equivalent connections.
· Drinking water is provided by the city of Tampa through 403,000 linear feet of pipes. The base also has 290 fire hydrants.
Quotable:
Robert Sheets, System Manager, Florida Government Utility Authority
“Of course we’re honored to have been selected to provide these critical services to the Central Command, which is responsible for protecting U.S. security worldwide.”
“Governments of all sizes and at all levels are considering how to most efficiently and cost-effectively operate their water and wastewater facilities. Expanding FGUA with the MacDill system will allow us to leverage private sector economies of scale, while providing the experience and excellence of government services.”
Florida Governmental Utility Authority Overview
· Staffed by Government Services Group, with offices in Tallahassee, Longwood and Coral Gables.
· Has and is managing more than $286 million in capital projects, including $149 million in water supply facilities and $137 million in wastewater facilities.
· Delivers 11.1 million gallons of drinking water daily, and treats 7.75 million gallons of wastewater. Presently owns, manages or operates drinking water facilities with a capacity of 108 million gallons of water per day, and wastewater facilities of nearly 25 million gallons of water per day.
· Currently owns and operates seven water and wastewater systems in three Florida counties, and more than 80,000 customers.
· Formed in 1999 through an interlocal agreement between Brevard, Lee, Polk and Sarasota counties. Currently managed by a six-member board of directors that includes representatives from Lee, Polk, Citrus, Pasco, Hendry and DeSoto counties.
· The FGUA is a governmental authority established to acquire, finance, own and operate water and wastewater utilities.
Resources
· Florida Governmental Utility Authority home page
· Government Services Group home page
· U.S. Water Services Corp. home page
Honey Rand, Ph.D., APR (813) 948-6400, Ext. 228
Michael Hinman, (813) 948-6400, Ext. 227
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