VERO BEACH — City officials in Vero Beach are celebrating after securing another $3.7 million state grant to help build a new wastewater treatment plant, bringing the total outside funding for the project to more than $41 million.
The award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection came just before the holidays as part of a broader $5 million allocation, with the remaining funds earmarked for septic-to-sewer conversions in the area.
City Manager Monte Falls said in a statement that it felt like Santa came early for Vero Beach.
The grant is the fifth from the department for the $164 million project, which involves relocating the plant from its current site along the Indian River Lagoon to the Vero Beach Regional Airport. Officials say the move is essential to clear the way for redeveloping the waterfront property, known as Three Corners, into a hub for dining, retail and recreation.
With the latest infusion, the city’s share of the costs drops to about $122.7 million. Falls and Water & Sewer Director Rob Bolton indicated that figure could shrink further through additional grants and lower-than-expected expenses during construction, which is slated to wrap up in early 2028.
The city plans to apply for more state funding this year, Falls added, noting that applications typically open in the summer with awards announced by year’s end.
The funding aligns with Florida’s push to enhance water quality, particularly in sensitive areas like the Indian River Lagoon. Earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an $11.3 million grant for the same initiative as part of statewide efforts to reduce nutrient pollution.
Despite some hurdles in 2025, including project delays and other municipal challenges, Falls described the grant as a positive cap to the year.
Falls said they have the wastewater-treatment plant under construction, received the grants they applied for, are just about finished with the first phase of the marina expansion, and are where they expected to be with the Three Corners project.
Construction on the new facility began last summer, marking a key step in Vero Beach’s long-term infrastructure upgrades.