A $1 million federal grant will help fund a $20.8 million project to retrofit the sewage system in the Ixora Park community in Indian River County, Congressman Mike Haridopolos announced at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. The Member Community Project Funding will address the needs of over 230 homes that currently rely on a failing sewer system risking contamination of environmental resources. The community sits adjacent to the County South Relief Canal, which discharges into the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most diverse estuaries in the country.
The project will replace aging sewer infrastructure and is designed to protect water quality by reducing discharges of nitrogen and phosphorus into the lagoon. Haridopolos said federal support ensures health and safety to the community while protecting the Indian River Lagoon, a designated federal resource. Keith Drewett of the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County noted the upgrade is critical because of the area's environmental conditions and high water table. Haridopolos added that the benefits extend beyond environmental protection, as replacing the aging infrastructure improves both water quality and the taxable value of homes in the community.