Emerald Coast Utilities Authority Receives Grant for Pensacola Beach Resilient Water Main Project
Pensacola, FL – The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2 million state grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through their Local Government Water Supply Pilot Grant program to support the Pensacola Beach 12-inch Resilient Water Main Project. This crucial infrastructure project will enhance water system reliability for Pensacola Beach residents and businesses by providing an alternative distribution main in the event of a failure of the existing water line.
The project will install 4,000 feet of 12-inch water main from the Pensacola Beach Pumping Station south to the core area, ensuring continuous water service for approximately 3,000 customers. The new pipeline will offer increased resilience and reliability, significantly benefiting ECUA ratepayers.
“The ECUA is incredibly grateful for this grant funding, which allows us to move forward with a vital project that strengthens our water infrastructure and ensures uninterrupted service for Pensacola Beach,” said ECUA Executive Director J. Bruce Woody. “This investment will provide peace of mind to residents and businesses alike, knowing that an essential backup water transmission line will be in place.”
The total project cost is $3 million, with ECUA contributing $1 million in matching funds. Construction is scheduled to begin in the off-season to minimize disruptions, with a projected start date of September 5, 2025, and an anticipated completion by March 1, 2026.
This initiative builds on previous efforts by ECUA to improve system reliability, including the construction last year of a redundant waterline from the north side (Gulf Breeze) of the Robert L. Sikes Bridge to the south side (Pensacola Beach water storage tanks). This new line and its associated pressure-sustaining valves provide a secondary means to convey drinking water to Pensacola Beach and also help to mitigate the risk of occasional lower pressure on the Gregory Street area when the beach tanks are being filled.
ECUA remains committed to enhancing the reliability and sustainability of its water systems, and this project is a significant step toward safeguarding water service for the Pensacola Beach community.