Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri wants $100 million to replace more septic tanks with sewer lines.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Hazouri introduced legislation to amend the five-year capital improvement program to include The Water/Wastewater System Fund.
The plan adds to Mayor Lenny Curry’s effort to phase out septic tanks in Biltmore, Beverly Hills and Christobel neighborhoods.
Hazouri said his plan would help pay for the removal of the septic tanks in the county’s remaining “neglected” neighborhoods to enhance quality of life for all residents of Jacksonville.
Hazouri wants $100 million to make a sustainable long-term commitment to remove the septic tanks and hook up to city sewer services.
He said he hopes JEA, in conjunction with the city, will commit to eradicating septic tanks which contribute to polluting neighborhood waterways and streams.
But even $100 million wouldn’t solve the problem.
Last August, Hai Vu, the then-interim GM of JEA’s water and wastewater systems spoke before a City Council committee.
At the time, Vu said to complete all 35 city areas where septic systems should be replaced would cost to close to $3 billion.
Michelle Corum can be reached at mcorum@wjct.org, 904-358-6308 or on Twitter at @MCorumonME.
