Council authorizes CSX encroachment to build Jeffress Creek sewer; phase 1 funded largely by state grant

Florence City Council voted to authorize the city manager to sign a facility encroachment agreement with CSX Transportation needed to construct the first phase of the Jeffress Creek interceptor sewer.

City project staff described the work as a two-phase effort to relieve capacity on the existing Jeffress Creek interceptor. Phase 1 would install a new 54-inch gravity sewer along South Church Street and move roughly 2.5 million gallons of flow off the existing line; staff estimated phase 1 construction at approximately $25 million and phase 2 another $25 million. The city has received about $24 million in state assistance to cover much of phase 1’s cost.

Michael, the project representative, said the city hopes to put phase 1 out to bid in the first quarter of 2026 and complete engineering and construction activities with an anticipated finish around 2028, subject to contract timing. Council praised staff for securing near-full funding for phase 1 and approved the resolution by voice vote.

What’s next: With the CSX agreement approved, staff expect to solicit bids in early 2026 and continue pursuit of additional state funding for phase 2; design and contract timing will determine the final schedule.