Countywide Wastewater / Stormwater Task Force holds kick-off meeting

The countywide Wastewater / Stormwater Task Force held their first meeting this morning at the University Partnership Center – Digitorium, located at the Seminole Campus of St. Petersburg College.

State, county, city and agency partners, as well as some state officials, gathered to share their ideas for the Task Force’s framework, mission and short-term and long-term goals. The Task Force will create an initial action plan within the next 90 days to identify solutions for stormwater inflow and groundwater infiltration issues as well as the potential need for increased countywide system capacity.

“Working together as partners, we can do more and we can better solve the key wastewater system issues with which we are challenged,” said Pinellas County Commission Chairman Charlie Justice. “This initiative we begin here today will provide sustainable goals and courses of action to greatly improve the quality of life for our citizens, while strengthening Pinellas County as a whole today and well into the future.”

The Task Force is comprised of state, county, 17 municipal leaders and 10 agency leaders, as well as staff representatives who will serve on a technical working group. The technical working group will begin to meet regularly to form the action plan.

Municipal and agency partners taking part in the Task Force Steering Committee include leaders from: Pinellas County Government, cities of Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Kenneth City, Largo, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Seminole, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island, St. Petersburg City Council, Barrier Islands Government Council (Big C), Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) - St. Petersburg, Council of North County Neighborhoods, Lealman Community Association, Mayors’ Council, Mid-County Services, Inc., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), On Top of the World and Tierra Verde Association.