Title
Selection of Progressive Design-Build Firm for the Groundwater Recharge Wetland Project (B)
**This item was presented to the UAB on February 10, 2022.**
Explanation
GRU plans to create a groundwater recharge wetland. The project is being constructed with cost share funding from the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The project will receive reclaimed water from the Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility and recharge the Floridan aquifer with high-quality, low-nutrient water. The project will provide an environmental benefit by supporting flows at the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and area springs. The project is part of the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan and is integral to our water resource management plan. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project will provide cost-effective, long-term beneficial reuse of reclaimed water to meet GRU future needs as our community grows. Alachua County is partnering with GRU to manage public access to the wetland after it is constructed and plans to add improved parking, restroom facilities and a playground in the future as funding becomes available.
Schedule
The property for the wetland was purchased in January 2021 with 50 percent cost share funding from FDEP. FDEP has committed cost share dollars for the design and permitting of the project. GRU expects FDEP will allocate cost share funds for the construction phase of the project. The design, permitting, and construction of the project is expected to be complete in calendar year 2025 contingent upon both State and local funding.
Solicitation
The solicitation for a Request for Statement of Qualifications for Progressive Design-Builders was posted on September 28, 2021. On December 2, 2021, four progressive design-build proposals were received. GRU staff conducted a two-phase evaluation of the prospective design-build teams. The Phase 1 evaluation was held in a public meeting ...
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