Key West is moving forward with several infrastructure and affordable housing initiatives, including a proposed $9.9 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade, approximately $6 million in stormwater improvements and a proposed $6.5 million investment in public housing.
City Manager Brian Barroso joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The proposed wastewater treatment plant solid dewatering upgrades are among the significant items coming before the City Commission. The city has received $750,000 in state funding for the effort, and commissioners are expected to consider a construction award of approximately $9.9 million.
Barroso said the project addresses needed maintenance at the wastewater treatment plant, although residents may not immediately see the improvements.
“When you really, from this team’s perspective, want to protect what matters above, you have to start investing below the surface,” Barroso said.
He also acknowledged the impact that ongoing infrastructure challenges have had on the community.
“We want to continue to just express our appreciation for the patience and understanding from this community,” Barroso said. “Obviously, it has an impact, and it continues to have an impact. It is not necessarily something that we believe is okay. It is on top of our minds.”
If approved by commissioners, the wastewater project could get underway in late 2026 or early 2027.
Stormwater improvements are another priority as Key West continues to address flooding, including the effects of seasonal king tides.
Barroso said the city is proposing approximately $6 million in stormwater improvements, including work at Harris Avenue and 10th Street. The project would give residents a visible indication of the city’s progress on its infrastructure goals.
“The commission is going to need to approve this item,” Barroso said.
The city is also seeking approval of a state grant agreement worth approximately $2.175 million for improvements to the Duval Street and Mallory Square pump stations.
Barroso said the proposed pump station work is particularly important for the Duval Street corridor, where flooding has affected small businesses.
“We need to start addressing the impact that we continue to find on our Duval Street corridor and the impact that it continues to have to the small businesses there,” he said.
The pump station project represents an initial step in the city’s broader master plan for Duval Street. Barroso credited the city’s lobbying efforts in Tallahassee for helping secure funding for the work.
He also emphasized that meaningful stormwater improvements will take years of planning, funding and coordination with state officials.
“This is a multi-year approach,” Barroso said. “It’s going to take a great deal of coordination with Tallahassee and our ability with our lobbyists to leverage as much as we can and lobby for as much as we can from an appropriation perspective.”
Affordable housing is also on the agenda, with the city working alongside the Key West Housing Authority and Monroe County to improve existing public housing.
Barroso discussed a proposed $6.5 million investment in the rehabilitation and improvement of the Lang Milian apartment complex, which provides 136 public housing units. The proposal would support improvements and the addition of units.
He said the project demonstrates why partnerships are necessary to address the city’s housing needs.
“The city cannot cure this by itself,” Barroso said.
He praised the collaboration with the Key West Housing Authority, under the leadership of Randy Sterling, and recognized Monroe County’s role in providing land authority funding.
“When you protect the future of Key West, it really means protecting the opportunity to call it home,” Barroso said. “For those that would like to continue to call it home, we’ve got to do our best to help add our intent to that.”
The city also recently received confirmation of its Aa2 credit rating from Moody’s Ratings. Barroso said the rating reflects the city’s financial management and helps determine the cost of borrowing money for major projects.
He explained that the rating is particularly important as the city works to finance projects approved by voters.
“Our rating allows us to sell that paper and establish, in the most simplest terms, the cost of that borrowing,” Barroso said. “We’re very proud of that rating.”
Barroso said the rating should provide residents with confidence that the city is meeting the financial standards necessary to maintain its credit standing.
He also praised city employees and partner agencies for their work during Fantasy Fest, which recently concluded in Key West.
Barroso credited police officers, firefighters, public works employees, volunteers, event organizers and regional partners with helping ensure the event ran safely and smoothly. He noted that the work continues after the crowds leave, as crews must restore public spaces and prepare the community for normal operations.
“I’m just incredibly proud of the city team here and the work that they continue to perform every day,” Barroso said. “Without, at times, recognition.”
He added that the city remains committed to transparency, accountability and improving its services.
“We want responsible financial management. We want transparency, we want accountability, and we are delivering, in my opinion, meaningful results for the community that we serve,” Barroso said.