Winter Garden receives nearly $9.6M in funding for wastewater treatment plant expansion

The city of Winter Garden is receiving nearly $9.6 million in funding that it will not have to repay to help expand and upgrade its wastewater treatment facility.

The funding is part of more than $19 million in state funding authorized for improvements to the Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The project would increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 4.75 million gallons per day to 7.5 million gallons per day, helping the city accommodate future growth.

According to city projections, Winter Garden’s population could nearly double by 2045, making additional infrastructure capacity increasingly important.

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However, the proposed expansion has raised concerns among some nearby residents.

Shirley, a Winter Garden resident who lives near the facility, said she has heard rumors about potential property purchases in the area and worries about what that could mean for neighbors.

Robert Fowler, who has lived in Winter Garden since he was 6 years old and lives directly behind the facility, said he supports the expansion.

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Fowler said he has confidence in the facility and believes the project is a good investment for the community.

City commissioners are being asked to approve an amended facility plan for the project.