Winter Haven staff outline rail spur, Logistics Parkway, complete‑streets, reuse lines and meter modernization

City staff provided a multi‑project infrastructure update that covered a new rail spur in the Intermodal Logistics Park, Logistics Parkway construction and utility work, a 3rd Street complete‑street project, conversion of Motor Pool Road, reuse distribution improvements and an Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout.

Rail spur and economic development: Staff said the Department of Commerce approved a $1,500,000 grant for the rail spur at the Intermodal Logistics Park and issued a notice to proceed; the city has awarded the construction contract and is moving to build the city's first rail spur to serve park users. Todd Gooding and project staff said the grant work is underway and the project schedule follows the grant timeline.

Logistics Parkway and utilities: The city reported the northern Logistics Parkway phase completed in May 2024 and the southern phase is under construction. Staff briefed commissioners on revised corridor design and cost efficiencies — the combined project estimate is now about $14.6 million versus a previous $26 million estimate, with roughly $9.4 million in grant funding assisting the project. The CEI (construction engineering and inspection) procurement for the southern phase will combine leftover funds from the original RK&K contract with an additional requested amount (~$920,102) to complete CEI and construction management tasks.

Utilities and reuse piping: Utility project manager Pedro Barrios described a 'dig once' approach on Logistics Parkway: contractors are installing a 24‑inch alternative water supply main that will add roughly 1,500,000 gallons of capacity (partially funded by Park Regional Water Cooperative at about $500,000). The project includes additional stormwater ponds, relocations of existing reclaimed water infrastructure and new water/force mains to support future development.

3rd Street and Motor Pool Road: Tyler Williams summarized the 3rd Street Complete Street project (roughly $1.7 million in local agency funds; out to bid with anticipated construction bids closing mid‑February and project delivery targeted for early 2027). Motor Pool Road conversion is under construction, using a dig‑once approach to integrate reuse distribution and communications lines; staff said the motor pool work is expected to finish in April.

Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Meter Services Superintendent Dom Maroney explained AMI progress: reading capability from towers rose from 65% to 87% (as of last November) with a 95% target this year. The city is beta‑testing remote automatic shutoff meters (three‑way valves) and plans to add temperature and pressure sensing and near‑real‑time customer portal data as meters are updated. Staff said rollout will follow meter replacement schedules and certain remote meters may remain off the network.

Commissioners asked about timing for customer portal access and replacement sequencing; staff confirmed portal data availability depends on meter replacement and that notifications for continuous flows have already helped identify leaks to customers. Staff indicated more project updates and procurement items will return to commission as funding and contracts are finalized.