The Immokalee Water & Sewer District held a groundbreaking ceremony for USDA Rural Development Water Main Replacement Project on Thursday, August 24. The District received $17,134,000 in loan money and a $4,063,900 in grant money to replace 50 percent or (50 miles) of the water lines in Immokalee. From left to right are Cherryle Thomas (Standing in for Fred Thomas who is the Treasurer & Photographer), Joseph Brister-Chairman of Immokalee Water & Sewer, Robert Halman-Commissioner, Ann Goodnight-Commissioner, Garrett Richter-President of First Florida Integrity Bank, Eva Deyo-Executive Director of the Immokalee Water & Sewer District and Commissioner of District #5 William (Bill) McDaniel. (Submitted photo/Fred N Thomas, Jr)[/caption] The project was broken up into four phases, so that it would be more competitive. Phase 1 was awarded to PWC Joint Venture in the amount of $5,410,360. Phase 2 was awarded to PWC Joint Venture in the amount of $4,049,330. Phase 3 was awarded to Foster Marine in the amount of $3,072,616. Phase 4 was awarded to Andrew Sitework in the amount of $3,622,160. Andrew Sitework - Phase 4 was the first to begin working, followed by PWC Joint Venture with Phase’s 1 and 2. The last contractor, Foster Marine with Phase 3 which is primarily State Road 29 will begin soon. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Airport Park at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24. The ceremony began with Chairman Joseph Brister calling the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Rick Heers then gave an inspiring National Anthem, followed by a rendition of God Bless Immokalee. Pastor Josh Rincon then gave prayer to bless the food and for the project to be completed safely. Vice-Chairman Patricia Anne Goodnight took over the ceremony thanking all of the special guests and all of the District employees, without whom the project would not be a success. Special guests included, Michael Botelho - USDA Rural Development Area Director, Ada Rivera - USDA Rural Development Area Specialist and Kristine Roy - USDA Area Technician. Also present was former Senator Garrett S. Richter, who is the President and CEO of First Florida Integrity Bank. First Florida Integrity Bank is handling the construction financing for the project. Also present were: Kim Timm -District Secretary for Representative Byron Donalds, Trenton Muntz - Legislative Aide for Senator Kathleen Passidomo, and William “Bill” McDaniel - Collier County Commissioner, Gary Ferrante and Brandon Ivey - Greeley and Hansen Engineering. IWSD Board Members include: Joseph Brister - Chairman, Patricia Anne Goodnight - Vice Chairman, Fred N. Thomas, Jr. - Treasurer, Bonnie S. Keen - Secretary, Magda Ayala - Commissioner, Robert Halman - Commissioner, and Jack Johnson, Jr. - Commissioner.