Bay County EOC Water Line Project Moves Forward in Panama City

Panama City, FL – Bay County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is moving forward with a critical project to secure its potable water supply, a vital step in ensuring continuous operations during future disasters. The initiative, funded through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) DR-4399-021-R, focuses on protecting the EOC's water line located at 700 Highway 2300 in Panama City.

This project, approved by both the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), addresses a key vulnerability. The EOC, situated at coordinates 30.299469, -85.663051, serves as the central command for emergency response. Maintaining its water supply is paramount for effective disaster coordination and community support.

Currently, the project is in Phase I, which includes surveying, engineering, design, plans preparation, permitting, and bidding. No construction activities have been approved for this initial phase. This meticulous planning stage lays the groundwork for a robust solution that will connect the EOC to a wholesale water distribution system.

Phase II, once approved, will involve significant infrastructure work. Plans call for the installation of approximately 7,000 linear feet of 6-inch cement mortar-lined ductile iron (DI) water main. This new connection will minimize the risk of water outages if the primary water treatment plant sustains damage during a disaster, thereby guaranteeing the EOC's ability to operate without interruption.

The proposed scope for Phase II also includes tapping sleeves to integrate the new water main into both the wholesale network and the EOC facilities. Additionally, isolation gate valves, associated fittings and appurtenances, an aerial crossing, and a gravel access road along the pipe route through undeveloped land are part of the comprehensive plan. This strategic investment aims to bolster Bay County's resilience against future emergencies.