July 30, 2024, Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Aimee Adler Cooke (561) 302-6902 (or) aimee@conceptualpr.com 

Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project Nears Completion; New Main Activated on July 29, 2024

Key West, FL (July 30, 2024) – Following the clearance notice from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority activated the new transmission main on July 29, 2024. Originally slated for completion in February 2025, this project is now entering its final phases. All 22,152 linear feet of new, 36-inch cathodically protected pipe have been installed between MM 79.5 and MM 84, and now work will focus on restoration and final clean up in the area.

“I want to thank the top-notch crew that has been working since April 2023, 24/7, Monday through Friday, to keep this project moving six months ahead of schedule,” said Greg Veliz, Executive Director of the FKAA. “This five-mile stretch of pipe in Islamorada is just one part of the legacy project to replace the entire 130-mile-long transmission main to ensure access to clean drinking water for many years to come.”  

With two valves now being open to flow water through the new 36-inch main, the pipeline is activated for operation. Next, crews will complete the final stages of the project, including two planned 18-inch connections, master meter connections, restoration landscaping, and paving.  

The Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement project cost approximately $42 million, with $20 million funded by grants and the balance funded through low-interest loans. The main in Islamorada was one of the most vulnerable sections of pipe. Work to replace the 1.5-mile stretch of main in Windley Key has already begun, and the Plantation Key Transmission Main Replacement Project is expected to begin in fall 2024. 
 
For more information on the Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project visit https://bit.ly/islamoradaproject or follow the FKAA on Facebook and Twitter. If you have questions, please contact a local, FKAA customer service representative by calling (833) 588-5865 or emailing community@fkaa.com. After-hours support is available at (305) 296-2454.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY (FKAA) 

Headquartered in Key West, Florida, the FKAA is the water service provider for the Florida Keys, supplying potable water to all residents while providing reclaimed water and wastewater services in select areas. The team’s dedication to their customers is reflected in their extensive water quality protection program, their water supply planning, commitment to conserving precious natural resources, and their superior local customer service. To learn more visit https://www.fkaa.com/, follow the FKAA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FKAAwater/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/FKAAwater.