Sarasota County put out an advertisement Oct. 27 for a contractor to build a new retention pond and stormwater runoff enhancements on Beach Road.

County staff expected the project to start earlier this year, but stormwater discharge pipes are uncommon along the Gulf Coast and require permitting from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The county conducted a feasibility study for the pipeline and wastewater improvements after high levels of bacteria forced a no-swim advisory to be issued on Siesta Key public beach in 2004.

The Water Management District, known as SWFWMD, has provided the county with a $975,000 grant to cover half the cost of construction. Contractors interested in the project have until Nov. 28 to submit bids to the county.
 
Contact Alex Mahadevan at alexm@yourobserver.com.

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