GREEN COVE SPRINGS – During its most recent meeting, the City Council took the first steps in securing a bond for Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects.

Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that authorizes city staff to borrow up to $9 million for stormwater capital improvement projects and up to $600,000 to purchase a Vac-Con truck for the City Stormwater Department. It also agreed to put George A. Smith Jr. of George A. Smith PLLC on retainer to serve as council for selecting and signing the bond.

The second and final reading of the ordinance will be presented to the council for approval during the Nov. 7 regular session meeting. The city is already in the Request for Proposal process for terms and conditions for a bank loan. Once the City Council adopts the ordinance, staff will present their selected loan recommendation for council approval on Dec. 5. If the recommended loan is approved, staff anticipates finalizing the loan in December 2023 or January 2024.

The proposed bond will supplement the funding needed to complete crucial stormwater projects throughout the city. Stormwater User Fees will support paying back the proposed bond rather than directly funding stormwater capital improvement projects.

Once a bond is approved and finalized, funds will help accelerate the timeline for several stormwater projects, including:

West Street Drainage Project: Replacing stormwater pipes along West Street from Walnut Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City has already begun the construction bid process and plans to start construction in January 2024

Clay Street Storm Basin Project: Replacing stormwater pipes and repairing river bulkhead along Clay Street, Lambart Street, Magnolia and St. Johns avenues. The city will be able to begin the construction bid process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by two years.

Julia Street Stormwater Project: Upgrading stormwater systems and replacing pipes along Julia Street from Sunset Avenue to the end of the street at Governors Creek. City will be able to begin the construction bid process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by a year.

Bayard and St. Johns avenues upgrades: Stormwater upgrades to replace pipes along Bayard Street from St. Johns Avenue to the St. Johns River and St. Johns Avenue from Elmore Street to Bayard Street, and repair river bulkhead on Bayard Street. The city will be able to begin the construction bid process in Spring 2024 and begin construction as scheduled.

Cove Subdivision Pipe Lining Project: Lining stormwater pipes to extend the life of the current pipe system. The city will be able to begin the construction bid process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by three years.

Ferris Street Storm Basin Project: Replacing stormwater pipes along Ferris Street and the connecting streets. The city will be able to begin the design and permitting process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by three years.

Roberts Street Project: Replacing stormwater pipe and drainage structures. The city will be able to begin the design and permitting process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by three years.

South Highland Avenue Project: Upgrading stormwater systems. The city will be able to begin the design and permitting process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by two years.

Oakridge Stormwater Project: Installing new stormwater piping and stormwater pond on Oakridge from Walnut Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The city will be able to begin the design and permitting process in Spring 2024, shortening the project’s timeline by three years.