Garney Construction has officially broken ground on a $1.2 billion wastewater infrastructure project in southern Hillsborough County, marking the largest capital improvement initiative in the county’s history.
The One Water – South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project is a multicomponent system designed to expand wastewater treatment capacity while advancing long-term water reuse efforts, according to a recent announcement.
Based in Kansas City, Garney will deliver the project using a progressive design-build approach. The scope includes construction of a new advanced wastewater treatment facility alongside more than 20 miles of pipeline infrastructure.
Once complete, the facility will be capable of treating 24 million gallons of wastewater per day, with built-in flexibility to expand to 30 million gallons per day in the future with minimal disruption to operations.
The project also features the construction of the Balm Road Super Lift Station, designed to handle 54 million gallons per day, along with a 5 million-gallon emergency storage tank. These elements are intended to support growing population demands and strengthen system resilience.
“What makes this project stand out is that it goes beyond simply adding treatment capacity,” Eric Wagner, director of southeast plant operations at Garney, said in the release. “At a time when growing communities are looking for more sustainable ways to plan ahead, Hillsborough County is setting a strong example through its long-term investment in infrastructure.”
In addition to treatment capabilities, the system will include approximately 10 miles of wastewater pipelines and 13 miles of reclaimed water lines. These pipes, ranging from 42-inch to 48-inch ductile iron, will transport wastewater to the new facility and redistribute treated water into the county’s reuse network.
The One Water project represents a significant step forward in regional water infrastructure planning, particularly as communities across Florida face increasing pressure to manage growth and environmental sustainability.
Garney has been steadily expanding its presence in the Tampa Bay region. Earlier this year, the contractor broke ground on a separate $505.7 million water pipeline project in Hillsborough County. While both projects are major undertakings, the company noted they are not connected and will operate independently.
Construction on the wastewater system began with pipeline work in fall 2025. With groundbreaking now complete, the project is entering its vertical construction phase for treatment facilities and lift stations.
Officials expect the facility to begin treating initial wastewater flows by September 2028, with full project completion scheduled for 2030.
The investment underscores a broader trend among municipalities prioritizing resilient and sustainable water systems to accommodate future growth, protect environmental resources and ensure long-term operational efficiency.
Originally reported by Sebastian Obando, Senior Reporter in Construction Dive.
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