City of Fort Myers awarded $14,988,750 in CDBG-DR funding for wellfield expansion project
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2025) – The City of Fort Myers has been awarded $14,988,750 from the Lee Board of County Commissioners for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding towards the City’s wellfield expansion project.
Directly serving an area of low to moderate household income of 51.99%, the wellfield expansion funding involves the design, permitting and construction of two Lower Hawthorn water supply wells to supplement the City’s current water system. These additional wells will provide high quality potable water to residents, improve reliability in the wellfield and prevent interruptions in water service in the event of an emergency.
“In the wake of Hurricane Ian, this essential infrastructure advancement increases drinking water access in traditionally underserved communities,” said City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. “Since the size of the City has greatly increased, we’re working rapidly to ensure that the utilities system is able to meet the potable water needs of the expanding population and City first responders such as firefighters.”
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Lee County received $1,107,881,000 in funding to support long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian (FEMA DR-4673-FL) through the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) within the Office of Community Planning and Development. The City of Fort Myers submitted the application for funding in May 2024.
“We’re committed to contributing to the health and safety of the City’s growing utilities customers,” said Jessica McElwee, Grants and Special Projects Director for the City of Fort Myers. “This project will increase the reliability of the existing wellfield by adding up to 1.5 million gallons daily of raw water capacity, providing redundancy and resiliency for more effective and efficient operations.”
According to CDBG-DR funding compliance, plans will be implemented within 24 months.
To learn more, visit fortmyers.gov/CDBG-DR.
About the City of Fort Myers
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the City’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit fortmyers.gov.