Recovery Plan

State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds

2021 Report
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 1

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

General Overview......................................................................................................................2

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................2

Uses of Funds .........................................................................................................................2

Promoting Equitable Outcomes ...............................................................................................4

Community Engagement .........................................................................................................6

Labor Practices .......................................................................................................................6

Use of Evidence ......................................................................................................................6

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category...........................................................................6

Project Inventory.......................................................................................................................6

Performance Report ...............................................................................................................22
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 2

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Executive Summary 

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized more than $1.9 trillion of economic stimulus 

to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts. Through 

the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund the legislation included $65.1 billion in direct, flexible 

aid to every county in America. These direct funds may be used to support public health response, 

address negative economic impacts, replace public sector revenue loss, premium pay for 

essential workers, and necessary investment in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

As part of the $65.1 billion St. Lucie County received $63,767,844 and intends to allocate the 

money as follows: 

Description Amount

COVID-19 Expenditures $7,347,108

COVID-19 Set Aside $3,464,137

St. Lucie County Jail Medical Wing 

Expansion Study $200,000

Utility Water and Wastewater 

Infrastructure $34,200,000

Stormwater Infrastructure $17,848,067

Compliance Reporting Administration 

Review and Administrative $708,532

TOTAL $63,767,844

St. Lucie County is included as part of the $4.171 billion allocated to Florida’s 67 counties. The 

St. Lucie County American Rescue Plan – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Plan (Plan) 

identifies projects within U.S. Treasury eligible categories approved by the Board of County 

Commissioners (BOCC) in August 2021. The BOCC directed the County Administration to 

develop a Plan that outlines the intended delivery of projects throughout St. Lucie County. On 

June 1, 2021, St. Lucie County received its 50% allocation, or $31,883,922. The County is eligible 

to receive the remaining 50%, or $31,883,922 on June 1, 2022

This Plan outlines the allowable projects, services, and the representative assistance to be 

provided. The Plan is based on eligible expenditures as defined by the U.S. Treasury. The Plan 

takes into consideration the eligible period and the use of funds as defined by the U.S. Treasury.

Uses of Funds

Public Health (EC 1)

o 1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination – In partnership with the St. Lucie County Department of 

Health, St. Lucie County supported COVID-19 vaccine Point of Dispensing (POD) events 

known as vaccination clinics throughout the county to prevent the occurrence of, spread, 

and mortality caused by COVID-19 in underserved communities. 

 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 3

o 1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings – The operational preparedness, prevention, and 

management of COVID-19 in the St. Lucie County correctional facility presented 

significant challenges. The County intends to conduct a medical wing needs study that will 

evaluate the potential expansion of the correctional facility’s medical unit. 

o 1.8 Other COVID Related Expenses – The development and implementation of a public 

outreach and communications initiative. Responding to an urgent need, St. Lucie County’s 

Communications Division championed public outreach and communications.

o 1.9 Payroll Costs Public Health Staff Responding to COVID-19 – St. Lucie County staff 

have played an integral role in preventing, mitigating, and responding to the health, social, 

and economic impacts of COVID-19. 

o 1.12 Other Public Health Services – St. Lucie County recognizes the benefit of 

community partnerships in reaching underserved populations. The County is providing

aide through several local agencies that include the Treasure Coast Homeless Services 

Council, the Cultural Alliance, and the St. Lucie County Department of Health. This allows 

the County to leverage its partnerships and funds with trusted and experienced 

organizations directly benefitting people in need.

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2)

o 2.2 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid – In advance of SLFRF, St. 

Lucie County utilized general funds to provide mortgage and utility assistance to 

households. The program was open to all residents from the unincorporated County and 

both cities. The County intends to move these allowable expenses to our SLFRF 

allocation.

St. Lucie County has also received Emergency Rental Assistance funding from the US 

Treasury and intends to continue assisting tenants in our community that may need 

addition help to remain in their homes as our community recovers from the pandemic.

o 2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General) – In advance of SLFRF, St. Lucie 

County established a Small Business Assistance Program and utilized general funds to 

provide to local small businesses in need of economic support to recover from the 

pandemic. The County intends to move these allowable expenses to our SLFRF 

allocation.

o 2.12 Aid to Other Impacted Industries – St. Lucie County recognized the challenge that 

our solid waste provider faced due to significant increase in residential collection costs 

during COVID19. The County provided financial aid to WastePro to help offset the 

increased cost of maintaining essential services while adhering to COVID protocols to 

protect their employees and maintain the health their diverse workforce. The County

utilized general funds and intends to move this allowable expense to our SLFRF allocation. 

Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure (EC 5)
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 4

o St. Lucie County has begun preparation for environmental impacts associated with climate 

change and sea level rise. Located along Florida’s east coast, with direct access to the 

Atlantic Ocean from the Fort Pierce Inlet, St. Lucie County will directly experience changes 

as water levels continue to rise as predicted. Therefore, the County has deemed resiliency 

preparation as a priority for our residents over the next decade. The County is focusing 

on investing our SLFRF funding into the design and construction of Water and Wastewater 

Utility Systems and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects.

The Unincorporated County is comprised largely of residential septic drain fields and well 

water systems and the St, Lucie County Utilities Department endeavors to convert many 

homes from septic and well to centralized sewer systems and municipal water supplies.

In addition to the septic to sewer and municipal water conversions, we intend to build 

additional stormwater infrastructure to increase capacity and aid in the removal of nutrients 

that adversely affect our major waterways. St. Lucie County is acutely aware of the 

importance the Indian River Lagoon and the North Fork of the St. Lucie River have on the 

lively hood of our entire community, including the City of Fort Pierce and the City of Port 

St. Lucie.

The County has a long history and large diverse community of subsistent fisherman and 

commercial fisherman that use these water bodies as sources of food and income for their 

families. These same waterways also serve as economic drivers for our recreation and 

tourism industries and are key components to the overall health and wellbeing of our 

community. The Indian River Lagoon is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and 

animals and is one of the most diverse estuaries in North America. The St. Lucie River 

supports a variety of federal and state-protected species like American alligators, 

manatees, nesting wood storks and little blue herons and is an important habitat for the 

juvenile phases of commercially important species such as blue crabs, snook, snapper, 

and shrimp.

St. Lucie County’s diverse population utilizes our local waters to work, play, and support 

their families, therefore it is imperative that we invest in our infrastructure to improve the 

resilience of our community and its resources.

Additional American Rescue Plan Allocations

o Port of Fort Pierce will receive funds through the Florida Seaport Transportation and 

Economic Development Council.

o St. Lucie County Community Services 

• Housing Division has received a direct allocation from the U.S. Treasury for 

Emergency Rental Assistance 2

• Transit will receive funds through the Federal Transit Administration

Promoting equitable outcomes

St. Lucie County is focused on upward mobility for our community. We are members of the Urban 

Institute Upward Mobility Cohort and have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee that 

focuses on recognizing and celebrating the diverse nature of our organization and community. 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 5

With assistance from the Urban Institute, we are actively working to identify gaps and overlaps in 

the social services we provide to our citizens.

The County has added a Community & Business Engagement Coordinator position to our ranks. 

This person serves as an engagement liaison and takes an active role in outreach of a wide 

spectrum of topics and information. They meet with residents and business members 

encouraging collaboration as partners with local government for positive outcomes to challenging 

community issues. They work to understand our citizens needs and desires to develop strategies 

to create and enhance a diverse local community.

The St. Lucie County Communications Division work diligently to provide media access to our 

entire community. During the pandemic the County provided weekly televised updates where 

Spanish and Creole translators were included for our LEP and featured a certified American Sign 

Interpreter. Communications Division concentrates on providing web content that is compliant 

with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We strive to provide accessibility to the disabled in 

our community, so they may navigate our online content more easily. 

St. Lucie County Tourism is an area of equitable improvement where the County is promoting 

additional material and videos to show our community diversity and encourage visitors to the 

Jewel of the Treasure Coast - featuring the historic City of Fort Pierce, the sprawling City of Port 

St. Lucie and the beautiful, tranquil beaches of Hutchinson Island. The goal is to improve the 

overall economic condition of our entire community through activities, special events, marketing 

and expanding tourism within all sectors of St. Lucie County as a year-round destination.

In addition to community outreach, St. Lucie County feels it is important to start at home by 

providing information and training opportunities to County staff, elected officials, and advisors that 

improve their understanding of different cultures and protected classes, such as traditions, dress, 

gestures, and religions. The County looks to improve leadership skills across the organization to 

build diversity in our applicant pool in all areas of our employment structure.

The County’s goal is to build positive systemic change that will benefit our residents for the longterm by building a broad and open-minded community that encourages diversity and inclusion.

a. Goals: St. Lucie County recognizes the need to focus on the underserved and 

adversely affected within our community. We will continue to partner with local and 

national organizations that provide guidance and training to recognize our areas of 

weakness and improve our policies to be more inclusive and equitable. St. Lucie 

County Community & Business Engagement Coordinator will provide the community 

with a voice in the process to assure we are meeting the needs of the underserved 

groups in our community and strive for equitable outcomes for all our citizens. 

b. Awareness: St. Lucie County will continue to identify additional groups of underserved 

and adversely affected citizens within our County. Once identified the County will 

partner with more local community organizations and provide SLFRF funded service 

notifications. 

c. Access and Distribution: Program evaluation is being conducted.

d. Outcomes: Program evaluation is being conducted.
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 6

Community Engagement 

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Labor Practices 

St. Lucie County’s follows CFR 200 for the procurement of all federally funded design and 

construction projects. Projects are advertised to a fair and open market without limitations to 

geographic location or other limiting language. The County awards design projects to the most 

qualified firms through a short list and presentation format. Construction projects are awarded to 

the responsible responsive low bid firm. The County will make efforts to notify Disadvantage 

Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Women’s Business 

Enterprises (WBE) to apply for infrastructure projects funded by SLFRF. 

Use of Evidence

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category

St. Lucie County had no SLFRF expenditures between March 3, 2021and July 31, 2021.

Category Cumulative

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health $0 $0

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic 

Impacts

$0 $0

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities

$0 $0

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay $0 $0

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure $0 $0

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue Replacement $0 $0

7 Administrative and Other $0 $0

Project Inventory 

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN – SLFRF

PROJECT INVENTORY

Category 1 – Public Health

Project ID

(To be Determined): Vaccination Clinics

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 7

ARP Expenditure Category: 1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

In partnership with the St. Lucie County Department of Health, St. Lucie County supported 

COVID-19 vaccine Point of Dispensing (POD) events known as vaccination clinics throughout 

the county to prevent the occurrence of, spread, and mortality caused by COVID-19 in 

underserved communities. Event dependent, the County was responsible for the command, 

intergovernmental affairs, safety, communications, operations, planning and logistics. 

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Jail Medical Wing Expansion Study

Funding Amount: $200,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Conduct a study, preliminary design, and probable cost to determine the need for an expansion 

to the inmate medical facility at the St. Lucie County Correctional Facility at Rock Road. The 

operational preparedness, prevention, and management of COVID-19 in the St. Lucie County 

correctional facility presented significant challenges. St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office instituted 

prevention measures like good hygiene practices, increased cleaning and disinfecting, and 

social distancing. Once the virus was introduced into the facility, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s 

Office had to clinically manage persons with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 inside the 

facility while simultaneously preventing further virus transmission. This included medical 

isolation and care, limited or restricted movement in and out of the facility, and increased social 

distancing. While the correctional facility has an onsite medical unit, the need far exceeded 

current capacity as there was not sufficient space to implement effective medical isolation. As 

a result, persons had to be transferred offsite. This increased potential exposure risks and 

added patients to an already stressed local hospital system. 

o The study will determine what programs, enhancements, or expansions could be 

created to mitigate the spread of infectious disease. Some considerations will be the 

following: creation of space necessary to maintain the required separation during 

pandemic events, alternate care programs designed to keep specialty care in-house as 

to not overload the community health care facilities, and a new improved ventilation 

system in the expanded area that considers pandemic response. A successful study 

would reveal how to properly care for the inmate population on site without the need for 

burdening the community health care system.

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 8

Project ID

(To be Determined): Pandemic Communications

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]

ARP Expenditure Category: 1.8 Other COVID Related Expenses

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The development and implementation of a public outreach and communications initiative. 

Responding to an urgent need, St. Lucie County’s Communications Division championed public 

outreach and communications.

o The development and implementation of a public outreach and communications 

initiative. Responding to an urgent need, St. Lucie County’s Communications Division 

championed public outreach and communications. The St. Lucie County Department of 

Health, a division of the Florida Department of Health, did not have a full-time Public 

Information Officer. In March of 2021, there was no state or federal communications 

plan. St. Lucie County staff developed a public outreach and communications initiative. 

This initiative included:

• Weekly video broadcasts of COVID-19 updates with the County’s Public 

Safety Division, St. Lucie County School District, and health officials. 

These videos were televised on SLCTV (Comcast 28 / U-verse 99) and 

streamed live to Facebook.

• To meet the needs of Limited English Persons (LEP), Spanish and 

Haitian Creole translators provided translations of the messaging 

immediately following the English version. Additionally, a certified 

American Sign Interpreter signed the broadcast.

• The creation of a stand-alone website (www.recoverstlucie.org) focused 

on pandemic resources including COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine 

locations, and economic relief assistance including grants for small 

businesses, renters, and homeowners.

• A Vaccine Myth Busters Town Hall with local doctors and hospital 

officials.

• Press releases on COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites.

• Meetings with community groups and churches to extend outreach to 

underserved populations, including community-based vaccine clinics.

• Frequent and accurate content on the County’s social media channels 

(Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube).

• The creation of an online application process to accept applications for 

small business assistance and rental assistance programs.

• Production of a dozen video Public Service Announcements (PSAs) with 

local community leaders and health officials.

• Print, radio, billboard, and television advertising and outreach.

o

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 9

Project ID

(To be Determined): Public Health Staffing

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]

ARP Expenditure Category: 1.9 Payroll Costs Public Health Staff Responding to 

COVID-19

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

St. Lucie County staff have played an integral role in preventing, mitigating, and responding to 

the health, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19.

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Pandemic Communications

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]

ARP Expenditure Category: 1.1

2

Other Public Health Services

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

During the pandemic the County supplied additional funds to agency partners essential to 

addressing unmet needs in our community. We aid our vulnerable population through several 

local agencies that include the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, the Cultural 

Alliance, and the St. Lucie Health Department. 

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Category 2 – Negative Economic Impacts

Project ID

(To be Determined): Mortgage & Utility Assistance Program

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]

ARP Expenditure Category: 2.2 Household Assistance

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

St. Lucie County established a mortgage and utility assistance program for struggling 

households. The program was open to all residents from the unincorporated County and both 

cities. 

Use of Evidence (required)
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 10

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Small Business Assistance Program

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]

ARP Expenditure Category: 2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General)

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

St. Lucie County established a Small Business Assistance Program to support local business 

in need of economic support to recover from the pandemic.

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Solid Waste Collection Support

Funding Amount: [ Insert $$$]

ARP Expenditure Category: 2.9 Aid to Other Impacted Industries

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

St. Lucie County provided financial support to our local solid waste company to help offset the 

increased cost of maintaining essential services while adhering to COVID protocols to protect 

their employees and maintain the health their diverse workforce that is essential to the health 

and resiliency of our community.

Use of Evidence (required)

Program evaluation is being conducted.

Category 5 – Infrastructure

Project ID

(To be Determined): North Hutchinson Island (NHI) Septic to Sewer

Funding Amount: $1,000,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.2 Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection & 

Conveyance

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Project consists of constructing a wastewater collection system on North Hutchinson Island. 

The system will connect approximately five hundred thirty-two homes to central sewer and take 

legacy septic tanks and drain fields out of service. The neighborhoods included are Queens 

Cove, Fort Pierce Shores, Coastal Cove Unit I, and Coral Cove. North Hutchinson Island is 

bordered to the west by the Indian River Lagoon and eliminating these significant number of 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 11

septic tanks from the barrier island provides an environmentally responsible solution to reduce 

the nutrient load in our outstanding Florida waterway.

The County will contribute 7% of the project cost and the homeowners will fund the balance 

through the County’s Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) with a total estimated project cost 

of $15,000,000.

Sea level in combination with king tide events have caused increased flooding and septic tank 

seepage, resulting in mobilization of fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients, and other contaminants. 

Enhancing the current sewer system through additional force mains and repump stations will 

increase Public Utility’s capacity in managing wastewater in additional areas throughout the 

County. Expanding sewer lines and converting septic systems to centralized sewer will 

ameliorate immediate issues of contamination of waterways and enhance human and 

environmental resiliency in both coastal and inland portions of the County.

Project ID

(To be Determined):

Midway Road Corridor Force Main and Repump 

Station – Fairgrounds to Okeechobee

Funding Amount: $3,600,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.2 Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection & 

Conveyance

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project consists of design, permitting and construction of approximately 38,000 lineal feet 

of 6” force main to connect Midway Road and the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds to the 

Okeechobee Road force main. Completion of this project will reduce the reliance of onsite 

septic tanks and drain fields for the treatment of wastewater along the Midway Road corridor.

Sea level in combination with king tide events have caused increased flooding and septic tank 

seepage, resulting in mobilization of fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients, and other contaminants. 

Enhancing the current sewer system through additional force mains and repump stations will 

increase Public Utility’s capacity in managing wastewater in additional areas throughout the 

County. Expanding sewer lines and converting septic systems to centralized sewer will 

ameliorate immediate issues of contamination of waterways and enhance human and 

environmental resiliency in both coastal and inland portions of the County.

Project ID

(To be Determined):

Midway Road Corridor Force Main and Repump 

Station – Proposed Wave Park to Okeechobee

Funding Amount: $1,100,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.2 Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection & 

Conveyance

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project consists of design, permitting and construction of approximately 16,000 lineal feet 

of 6” force main to connect Midway Road and the proposed Wave Park project to the 

Okeechobee Road force main. 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 12

It also includes design, permitting and construction of a regional wastewater repump station at 

the St. Lucie County Landfill and provide the required velocity of the waste stream to prevent 

settling of solids. Completion of this project will reduce the reliance of onsite septic tanks and 

drain fields for the treatment of wastewater along the Midway Road corridor. 

Sea level in combination with king tide events have caused increased flooding and septic tank 

seepage, resulting in mobilization of fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients, and other contaminants. 

Enhancing the current sewer system through additional force mains and repump stations will 

increase Public Utility’s capacity in managing wastewater in additional areas throughout the 

County. Expanding sewer lines and converting septic systems to centralized sewer will 

ameliorate immediate issues of contamination of waterways and enhance human and 

environmental resiliency in both coastal and inland portions of the County. 

Project ID

(To be Determined): North County Regional Deep Injection Well

Funding Amount: $8,000,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.5 Clean Water: Other Sewer Infrastructure

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project consists of design, permitting and construction of a deep injection well at the Taylor 

Dairy Road North County Regional Water and Wastewater Treatment site. This could be a 

stand-alone project or part of the plant(s) design.

The deep injection well would be used for demineralized concentrate and non-spec effluent 

disposal only when necessary. 

Sea level in combination with king tide events have caused increased flooding and septic tank 

seepage, resulting in mobilization of fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients, and other contaminants. 

Enhancing the current sewer system through additional force mains and repump stations will 

increase Public Utility’s capacity in managing wastewater in additional areas throughout the 

County. Expanding sewer lines and converting septic systems to centralized sewer will 

ameliorate immediate issues of contamination of waterways and enhance human and 

environmental resiliency in both coastal and inland portions of the County.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Ancient Oak Preserve Wet Pond

Funding Amount: $1,000,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The County owns a 1.7-acre parcel along Oleander Avenue in the Ancient Oak 

Preserve/Weldon B. Lewis Park. The southwest corner of the property is reserved to add 

stormwater treatment in the area, as the existing ditches do not have any treatment prior to 

entering the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. A retention pond has been identified to provide 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 13

stormwater runoff treatment. For the purposes of this assessment, a wet pond with a 14-day 

residence time was used.

The project will include design, permitting and construction of the pond that will meet County 

requirements for littoral zones and upland buffer planting.

As temperatures increase and storms in South Florida continue to grow in size, the need for 

capacity to hold larger levels of stormwater runoff has become a major need. This project 

address this need for increased capacity as it will hold and treat large amounts of stormwater 

before entering the Ten Mile Creek system.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Baffle Box Program - River Park

Funding Amount: $835,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Located west of and along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, River Park is an existing singlefamily subdivision on aging septic systems. This area has shallow swales that convey 

stormwater directly into tidal waters of the Ten Mile Creek System with little to no pre-treatment. 

The project consists of completing survey, design, permitting and construction of a secondgeneration baffle boxes.

As temperatures continue to increase and sea levels continue to rise, there is a need in St. 

Lucie County to prepare resilient projects in preparation of these future changes. One major 

concern is the increase of direct runoff into our natural conveyance system and the influence 

this will have on nutrient levels. This project will help alleviate the influence of direct runoff by 

improving stormwater infrastructure and catching contaminants before they reach the system.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Harmony Heights-Phase 3

Funding Amount: $3,606,363

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The goal of the project is to construct dry detention ponds and associated swales in the 

Harmony Heights subdivision, a 228-acre basin. Due to the age of the area, the subdivision 

currently lacks an overall stormwater management system. The project will provide water 

quality benefits by intercepting and treating unregulated stormwater runoff. This is a 

continuation of a project which will have Phase 2 completed in June 2021.

The project consists of completing survey, design, permitting and construction of system to 

reduce nutrients from this subdivision. As temperatures continue to increase and sea levels 

rise, there is a need to improve drainage infrastructure systems to help eliminate flooding in St. 

Lucie’s older neighborhoods. This project will increase drainage capacity and improve water 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 14

quality in the Harmony Heights neighborhood via the construction of detention ponds and new 

and improved swales and driveway culverts.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Hog Pen Slough Stormwater Treatment Area

Funding Amount: $1,000,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project seeks to design and construct a stormwater treatment area (STA) to capture and 

treat flows out of Hog Pen Slough prior to discharge to the North Fork. Flows out of Hog Pen 

have been found to contain high levels of nitrogen and fecal coliform. This regional facility would 

be a partnership between the City of Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County. The City owns an 11-

acre parcel and the County would participate in funding towards design and construction of the 

project.

As sea levels continue to rise, the need to convey clean, treated, runoff to St. Lucie County’s 

conveyance system will take on greater importance. Hog Pen Slough is one of our most 

important eastern drainage ditches and delivers water from the southeastern part of the County 

to the St. Lucie River. However, this runoff is presently untreated, and has shown to contain 

high levels of contaminate. This project will help reduce nutrients from Hog Pen Slough waters 

before they reach the St. Lucie system.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Indrio Savannahs Wet Pond

Funding Amount: $1,500,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Indrio Savannahs is a preserve that contains a natural flow-way that connects the northernmost 

lands in St. Lucie County to Taylor Creek. An existing lake is currently bypassed and could be 

connected and augmented with BMPs to provide nutrient reductions. This project includes 

design, permitting and construction of a treatment pond that could include gabion walls 

strategically placed to increase the tortuosity (length of the flow path) to promote additional 

nutrient removal.

The northeastern section of St. Lucie County has some of the oldest and poorest drainage 

infrastructure in the County. This is a very large drainage basin that flows directly from mobile 

home parks and industrial areas to Taylor Creek and then directly to the Indian River Lagoon. 

As temperatures and storms continue to increase this direct runoff will also continue to increase 

and have detrimental effects on our natural systems. This project will help reduce nutrient 

loading and increase stormwater capacity.

 

Project ID

(To be Determined): Indian River Estates-Phase III
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 15

Funding Amount: $3,616,704

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

This project seeks to construct Phase 3 of Indian River Estates Project. The phase will build on 

the improvements initiated under previous phases by evaluating the drainage along Easy Street 

and providing recommendations to reduce road flooding during heavy rain events. Also, 

addressing the interaction of flow between Indian River Estates and the Savannas and 

evaluating options to reduce / prevent backflow from the Savannas. To address these main 

elements, a preliminary engineering analysis is to be completed that will evaluate different 

alternatives to improve the flood level of service.

Indian River Estates sits adjacent to one of St. Lucie County’s largest wetland systems, the 

Savannahs. As sea levels continue to rise resiliency will become an extremely important term 

for those living in this community. There is a need to improve drainage in this area as it already 

floods heavily during tropical events. This project will look to address the drainage infrastructure 

in Indian River Estates in preparation of future sea level rise.

 

Project ID

(To be Determined): Melville Road Stormwater Improvement-Phase 2

Funding Amount: $1,500,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project includes drainage from a 175-acre residential neighborhood on aging septic systems 

that is in the historic area of White City. The project consists of design, permitting and 

construction of the second phase of the Melville Project. The 8.8-acre parcel will be used to 

construct a large stormwater treatment pond with native plantings and passive recreation.

White City is one the poorest draining neighborhoods in St. Lucie County. Built on low 

elevations, the area also sits adjacent to the tidally influenced Ten Mile Creek and is susceptible 

to flooding when the Creek rises. These issues are only expected to exacerbate as 

temperatures increase and sea levels continue to rise. This project looks to address these 

issues as a large stormwater retention area will be constructed.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Stormwater Master Plan

Funding Amount: $2,500,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 16

The last County-wide plan was developed in the 1990’s. Such a document allows for a better 

understanding of overall County infrastructure, a better understanding of how the County drains, 

and a stronger knowledge of historical County efforts. The plan would include a current inventory 

and census of all County surface water infrastructure, a digital elevation model with up-to-date 

topographic data, and a hydraulic and hydrographic (H&H).

Located along Florida’s east coast, St. Lucie County has begun preparation to begin to address 

sea level rise and County resiliency. A resiliency team has been hired and major grant-based 

work has begun. The key element to preparing for County climate change is the development 

of an updated stormwater plan that will address future environmental change and modern 

County drainage patterns. This project is of the utmost importance for future County resilience.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Sunland Gardens Retrofit

Funding Amount: $500,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Sunland Gardens is a 425-acre single family residential community. Developed and built 

decades ago the community predates stormwater regulations and has homes that are low lying 

and poorly draining roads. The area needs an overall drainage improvement. This project would 

include performing a survey, developing an overall drainage master plan for the Sunland 

Gardens Community and to identify basin limits to work towards a multi-phased restoration plan.

Sunland Gardens is one of North County’s oldest neighborhoods and was built before 

stormwater infrastructure was required. Located adjacent to Taylor Creek, the community is 

prone to flooding and this problem will continue to increase as temperatures and water levels 

rise. This project will address the need to prepare Sunland Gardens for future floods and 

improve its overall resiliency towards sea level rise by preparing an overall drainage master plan 

for future community improvements.

 

Project ID

(To be Determined):

Ten Mile Creek Oxbow Restoration at George 

LeStrange Preserve

Funding Amount: $1,790,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Ten Mile Creek is a natural system that drains nearly 90 square miles of the County. The Creek 

will receive discharge from the Indian River Lagoon-South CERP projects. Ten Mile Creek is 

sorely in need of maintenance to allow for the proper conveyance of water to protect from flood 

peril. Project will include dredge and removal of muck, spoil, and accumulated vegetation from 

the project area, effectively restoring +/- 2,000 linear feet of Ten Mile Creek within the George 
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 17

Lestrange Preserve. An historic oxbow will also be restored, thus allowing for greater 

conveyance and water quality improvements.

Ten Mile Creek is a natural system that conveys much of the County’s water east to the Atlantic 

Ocean. After years of no maintenance the Creek can no longer convey the amount of water 

needed during storm events to keep residents from flooding. With sea level rise as a concern, 

the County is making major efforts to improve Creek flow in preparation on increased capacity 

needs. This project will address future capacity by restoring an historic oxbow.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Indrio Road Water Main Completion

Funding Amount: $1,150,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

This project consists of revising the existing design and permitting of 9,000 lineal feet of 12” 

water main along Indrio Road from Taylor Dairy Road west to Emerson Avenue. After design 

completion the County will construct this portion of the water distribution system to provide 

reliable service to the western portion of the corridor.

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment. 

Project ID

(To be Determined): Lakewood Park Potable Water Initiative

Funding Amount: $2,000,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project consists of completing survey, design, permitting and construction of a water 

distribution system throughout the Lakewood Park Subdivision. This project will provide the 

residents of the Lakewood Park Community a potable water source provided through St Lucie 

County Utilities. The water provided is considered an alternative water source withdrawn from 

the Upper Floridan aquafer. Connecting to the safe potable water source will still allow customers 

use of their existing wells for irrigation purposes

The County will contribute 10% of the project cost and the residents will fund the balance through 

the County’s Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) with a total estimated project cost of 

$20,000,000.
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 18

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Indrio Road Water Main Completion

Funding Amount: $1,150,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

This project consists of revising the existing design and permitting of 9,000 lineal feet of 12” 

water main along Indrio Road from Taylor Dairy Road west to Emerson Avenue. After design 

completion the County will construct this portion of the water distribution system to provide 

reliable service to the western portion of the corridor.

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment. 

Project ID

(To be Determined):

Midway Road and Okeechobee Road Corridors Water 

Main Loop

Funding Amount: $5,350,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

This project consists of several phases to complete the water main loop for this corridor:

• Design, permitting and construction of approximately 28,000 lineal feet of 12” water main 

at various locations along the existing system to complete a loop for water distribution.

• Revise existing design and permitting, then construction of a 1-million-gallon ground 

storage tank and high service pump station located at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds.

• Design, permitting and construction of a chloramines booster station at the SLC 

Fairgrounds. Completion of this project will reduce the amount of flushing required to 

maintain optimal water quality along corridor while also providing fire flow protection in 

the area.

• Design, permitting and construction of a 2nd bulk water interconnect with the Fort Pierce 

Utility Authority location to be determined.
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 19

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment.

Project ID

(To be Determined):

North to South Service Area Connection – Part 1 (16” 

Main)

Funding Amount: $5,600,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Project consists of completing survey, design, permitting and construction of 50,000 lineal feet 

of 16” water main to connect the North and Central County service areas starting at the existing 

16” water main on Indrio Road at Johnston Road and terminating at the existing 10” water main 

on Okeechobee Road at Eleven Mile Road. Estimated cost $5,050,000.

Additional design, permitting and construct of two water repump stations to ensure adequate 

pressure and flow between the North and Central County service areas. Estimated cost 

$450,000.

Land acquisition of right-of-way or easements for water main installation. Estimated cost 

$100,000

Cost of entire project, including water main, 2 repump stations, and land acquisition, is estimated 

at $5,600,000.

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment.

Project ID

(To be Determined):

North to South Service Area Connection – Part 2 (12” 

Main)

Funding Amount: $5,100,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

Project consists of completing survey, design, permitting and construction of 50,000 lineal feet 

of 12” water main to connect the North and Central County service areas starting at the existing 

force main on Indrio Road at Johnston Road and terminating at the existing force main on 

Okeechobee Road at Eleven Mile Road. Estimated cost $4,550,000.
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 20

Additional design, permitting and construct of one inline repump stations to ensure adequate 

pressure and flow between the North and Central County service areas. Estimated cost 

$450,000.

Land acquisition of right-of-way or easements for water main installation. Estimated cost 

$100,000

Cost of entire project, including water main, 2 repump stations, and land acquisition, is estimated 

at $5,100,000.

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment.

Project ID

(To be Determined): North U.S. Highway 1 Water Main Extension

Funding Amount: $300,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission Distribution

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

The project consists of design, permitting and construction 3,200 lineal feet of 8” water main 

along the northern most section of the County’s service area on U.S. Highway 1 from the 

Turnpike Feeder Road north to the County line. This project will make available municipal 

potable water service to properties currently on wells. The County has a goal to provide service 

to the underserved community of Cypress Bay Mobile Home Park.

In addition, this project will encourage economic growth along this portion of U.S. Highway 1 and 

bring job opportunities to the community. 

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment.

Project ID

(To be Determined):

North County Regional Upper Floridan Aquifer Raw 

Water Supply Well

Funding Amount: $1,000,000

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.13 Drinking Water: Source

Web Link: TBD
St. Lucie County, Florida 2021 SLFRF Recovery Plan 21

Project Overview:

The project consists of design, permitting and construction of a second well and well head to 

access the upper Floridan aquifer as a raw water supply for the Taylor Dairy Road North County 

Regional Water and Wastewater Treatment site. This second well is required for redundancy of 

the water system. This could be a stand-alone project or part of the plant(s) design.

Groundwater and surface water are intimately linked and sensitive to potential changes in 

precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion is an especially significant 

potential threat to public wells, and for those who depend on private wells as their primary source 

for potable water. Providing a potable water source for these residents is a priority in the 

County’s resilience planning efforts, supporting the health of citizens, the economy, and the 

environment.

Project ID

(To be Determined): Fiber Project

Funding Amount: $3,115,112

ARP Expenditure Category: 5.17 Broadband: Other Projects

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

St. Lucie County (SLC) is vulnerable to extreme weather events. The existing aerial 

telecommunications infrastructure is exposed and susceptible to wind events and flying debris. 

The County is seeking to harden its antiquated communications system with buried fiber optic 

cables. This replacement will allow the SLC Emergency Operations Center, SLC Administration, 

the City of Port St. Lucie, and the City of Fort Pierce to communicate even when 

telecommunication carriers such as AT&T have lost their ability to operate. The hardening of 

the communication infrastructure is critical to regional coordination efforts during extreme 

weather events and pandemics.

Category 7 – Administrative and Other

Project ID

(To be Determined): Grant Coordinator Position 

Funding Amount: $643,532

ARP Expenditure Category: 7.1 Administrative Expense

Web Link: TBD

Project Overview:

St. Lucie County intends to use the 10% administrative allowance from the American Rescue 

Plan – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to manage the funding that is allocated to St. Lucie 

County. A full time Grant Coordinator position has been hired to ensure funding and project 

compliance according to the guidelines established by the U.S. Treasury.

Performance Report

Performance Indicators are being identified.