$1.4M Interlocal Agreement Approved to Acquire 153 Acres near Lake Pansy
by James Coulter
Polk County and the City of Winter Haven have entered into an interlocal agreement to acquire land near Lake Pansy for conservation efforts.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 18, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Winter Haven for the protection of Astute Financial Land Trust property located east of Lake Pansy.
“This project protects significant wetlands that filter surface waters between Lake Pansy and Lake Rochelle,” explained Tabitha Biel, Director of Parks and Natural Resources. “The protection of these wetlands is critical for the water quality and flood management in the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.”
The subject property, called the Astute Financial Land Trust, consists of approximately 153 acres. It is located on the east side of Lake Pansy and is bordered by Highway 17 and 92 to the east and north, respectively.
Polk County and Winter Haven have agreed to acquire and protect the land, as both entities are responsible for the pollution that has accumulated on that property through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
The total cost for the property’s purchase will be $1,400,000. Polk County has agreed to contribute $800,000, while Winter Haven has agreed to contribute $600,000. Funds for the county are available in the Parks and Natural Resources CIP within the Stormwater MSTU Fund.
