by James Coulter
To facilitate the proposed widening of Thompson Nursery Road, the City of Lake Wales is seeking reimbursement for the relocation of a city-owned water main and force main.
At their workshop meeting on Wed. July 9, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an agenda item concerning an interlocal agreement with Polk County and Peace Crossing Community Development District.
Both the county and the development district had entered into the agreement to design and construct certain sections of Thompson Nursery Road. This project, which includes the widening of the roadway, would necessitate the relocation of a city-owned water main and a force main.
“The property on the north side of Thompson Nursery Rd. had an issue during design with placement of all the utilities in the right of way,” wrote Sara Irvine, Special Projects Administrator.
“Staff wanted to avoid having to move these lines twice by relocating to their final resting place in the right of way now, while the Winter Haven Corp property is installing the utilities for the project,” she further elaborated.
The fiscal impact of this project is estimated to be $543,197.70. Approving the interlocal agreement would allow for the reimbursement of these costs.
The City Commission will review and vote upon this agenda item at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. July 15 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
