Naples and Collier County are moving forward with a joint $5.785 million project to improve the stormwater system and water mains within Big Cypress Golf and Country Club Estates and The Country Club of Naples.
Naples City Council on May 6 unanimously approved the joint construction contract involving the 1960s-era communities. The vote came a week after the Collier County Board of County Commissioners unanimously awarded the contract to Wright Construction Group, a Fort Myers-based company and the lowest responsible bidder among seven bids.Â
The contract is split between the city and county, with Collier County funding $3,282,544.68 in stormwater system upgrades, while the city will pay $2,503,202.79 for drainage improvements to meet current size standards. Wright Construction also will receive a $578,574.75 allowance for reimbursement in case of unforeseen circumstances, with the city responsible for $250,320.28.Â
This map shows the project area for planned stormwater and water main improvements in the Big Cypress Golf Estates and Country Club of Naples communities. Naples and Collier County approved a joint $5.785 million infrastructure project designed to reduce flooding and modernize aging utilities. Photo courtesy of Collier County government.
Collier County government
The city and county separately approved the interlocal agreement in December 2023 and February 2024. The replacement project addresses long-standing drainage issues and retrofits the roadside swale and culvert system on Burning Tree Drive, Cypress Pointe Drive and Mel Jen Drive, including replacement of the existing water main.Â
Big Cypress Golf and Country Club Estates is a roughly 100-home community, while The Country Club of Naples is an 18-hole golf course and membership club.
County records show Phase 1 involves the county installing two electric-powered stormwater pumping stations, improvements designed to relieve drainage, flooding and standing water issues. Phase 2 consists of drainage improvements and a water main upgrade within Big Cypress Golf Estates and Country Club of Naples.Â
Swales will be regraded and driveway culverts will be replaced to boost stormwater capacity; homes will be reconnected to a new, modernized water main system; new fire hydrants will meet updated spacing standards to provide better protection; driveways will be rebuilt to match their original appearance; temporary mailboxes will be provided, with permanent replacements installed after completion; and all disturbed areas will be resodded to match existing lawn conditions.Â
Sanitary sewer systems will remain largely unaffected, with only minor adjustments as needed. Vegetation in county rights-of-way and easements will be removed.Â
The contract says the project should be completed within 270 days, or the contractor will face penalties.Â
For more info on the project, click here.