Panama City accepts $3 million grant to replace some septic systems with sewer lines
PANAMA CITY — Out with old septic tanks, in with new sewer systems.
In its Tuesday meeting, the Panama City Commission voted to approve a $3 million state grant to assist in expanding sewer and water lines as part of the Phase II expansion project for Kings Bayou and Pretty Bayou. The previous amount for the project was $499,520, which was effective May 18, 2020.
Within this expansion, residents in those areas will see installations of approximately 16,000 linear feet of low-pressure sewers that will connect to the existing sewer main. The project also includes 15,400 linear feet of potable water lines to be installed to the main water system and 35 new fire hydrants for increased fire protection.
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City Manager Mark McQueen said the funding for the septic to sewer program was made possible by state Sen. George Gainer and state Rep. Jay Trumbull.
“We’re very grateful to the state Legislature and Trumbull and Gainer, that have assisted us in this endeavor, to help convert a septic to sewer for residential properties,” McQueen said.
This project combines all of the goals and objectives for the city, McQueen said. From helping keep the bay clear of septic discharge to overall quality of life, he said this project will help in the mission of becoming the premier city.
“It helps with our infrastructure team to get septic systems to sewer systems,” McQueen said. “It helps with our economy because now, you’re spending your money more wisely and lastly, quality of life.”
McQueen said this is good news for citizens because they will be able to more effectively use city services.
“You’ll have access to the city services, water and sewer, they’ll also have enhanced fire flow in the area with the fire hydrants we’ll be installing,” McQueen said. “Lastly, they’ll be able to get rid of their septic systems and more viably use their properties for other purposes.”
However, residents within Bay County do have the option to maintain their septic system, McQueen said.
City officials hope to see updates with the project further into the year.
“It’ll go through the final engineering process and once the engineering is completed, we’ll begin construction,” McQueen said. “I’m hoping within the next six months, we’ll be in that place where we’re going to award a bid.”
While they are focusing on Kings Bayou and Pretty Bayou currently, city officials said this will trickle down to other areas within the city.
“I think it’s important when we think about the statewide program septic to sewer, the object is to try to increase the quality of the state's waters,” McQueen said. “We have so, in terms of increasing the health of the bay and the canals and the bayous. This is an important topic for our citizens and certainly our county.”
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City gets $3 million to upgrade some septic systems to sewer lines
