Expanding for the Future: The Tiger Point Wastewater and Reclamation Facility
The City of Gulf Breeze is committed to building smart, sustainable infrastructure for future generations. One of the most important steps in that journey is the expansion of the Tiger Point Wastewater and Reclamation Facility (WRF)—a long-planned, forward-looking investment that is now 25% complete and on track for a June 2027 completion.
Join the Conversation – May 5 Public Meeting
On May 5, Mayor JB Schluter and the City Council will hold a public meeting to review financing options for this essential $64 million project. The focus will be on how to responsibly fund half of the project’s cost—$32 million in debt—through a fair and transparent rate structure.
The proposed strategy, known as Alternative #2, introduces a $14 monthly fee per Equivalent Residential Connection (ERC) to recover this portion of the project cost. Importantly, 94% of customers will pay this additional base rate, with larger meters contributing proportionally more.
The ERC method is an industry-standard approach used to measure how much capacity a customer requires based on their meter size. The City already uses ERCs to set impact fees and monthly base charges, and engineers use these same factors to size wastewater plants. This approach ensures a strong connection between what customers pay and the capacity reserved for their use.
The Council will also vote on whether to phase in the ERC fee over a 2–3 year period, helping to reduce the immediate impact on residents and businesses.
Why Not Just Raise Sewer Rates?
Utility experts advising the City emphasize that while simply raising sewer rates is common, it’s not the most efficient or transparent approach. That’s because most wastewater treatment costs—typically 75–80%—are fixed and related to infrastructure capacity, not usage. The ERC-based fee better reflects these fixed costs and is considered the fairest way to recover debt service for the project.
In contrast to the Gulf Breeze Regional Water System Board’s recommendation of a flat $17 per meter fee, the ERC method adjusts based on meter size—making it more equitable across residential and commercial customers.
Why the Expansion and Upgrades Are Needed
The need for expanded wastewater capacity was first identified in studies dating back to the early 2000s. As Gulf Breeze prepared for future growth, the City secured permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for a new WRF to meet increasing demand.
However, events like Hurricane Ivan (2004) and the Great Recession delayed construction. In recent years, the City acquired land that allowed for a smarter, more cost-effective solution: upgrading the existing facility from 2.0 MGD to 3.5 MGD, eliminating the need for a separate site.
Design began in 2018, but the project faced further delays due to rising costs driven by:
- Steel tariffs and supply chain disruptions
- Labor shortages
- Hurricane Michael and Pensacola Bay Bridge reconstruction
- The global COVID-19 pandemic
Despite these setbacks, the City remained focused and resilient. In 2019, a temporary capacity increase to 2.2 MGD was considered, but FDEP ultimately required a full upgrade. By 2023, the City relaunched the bidding process with a more refined and cost-efficient design.
How It’s Being Funded
The project is supported by a mix of state, county, and local funding, including:
- $18 million from the State Revolving Fund
- $7 million in RESTORE grant funds from Santa Rosa County
- Local impact fees and capital improvement reserves
More Than Just Capacity: Supporting a Healthier, More Resilient City
In addition to providing the capacity needed for growth, the Tiger Point WRF expansion supports other key priorities, such as:
- Septic System Elimination – Three years ago, 43% of city homes were on septic systems. Today, that number is 25%, with a goal of 0%.
- Asbestos Concrete Water Main Replacement – 14 miles of outdated asbestos concrete pipes remain in the city and are being phased out.
- Clay Sewer Pipe Repair & Replacement – 11 miles of aging terracotta pipes are being upgraded, improving reliability and efficiency.
Stay Informed & Engaged
Missed a previous meeting? View the full presentation, explore all financing alternatives, and learn more about the project’s history, impact, and future benefits.
This expansion is more than a construction project—it’s a promise. A promise to invest in our city’s future, protect our environment, and support smart, sustainable growth for generations to come.
| Meter Size | ERC Factor | Monthly Fee |
| 5/8” or ¾” | 1.0 | $14.00 |
| 1” | 2.5 | $35.00 |
| 1.5” | 5.0 | $70.00 |
| 2” | 8.0 | $112.00 |
| 3” | 15.0 | $210.00 |
| 4” | 25.0 | $350.00 |
| 6” | 50.0 | $700.00 |
