CDM Smith reaches construction phase milestone on the Veolia-Tampa Bay Water regional SWTP integrated progressive design-build

CDM Smith received Notice to Proceed from Veolia North America for Phase 2 Construction on the Tampa Bay Water Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP) expansion project which broke ground earlier this month.

Serving over 2.5 million Floridians, the upgraded facility will increase capacity to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water for decades to come. The project will increase plant capacity from 120 MGD to 145 MGD and provide approximately $13.1 million in pending improvements and operational enhancements to complete the SCADA system update.  

The effort supports the region’s rapid population growth, while maintaining uninterrupted operations and enhancing system resilience. The expansion of the Tampa Bay Water regional SWTP is a transformative investment in public health, economic growth and environmental stewardship.  

CDM Smith has contributed to the plant design, construction and expansion since its inception, and has developed a strong working relationship with the owner, Tampa Bay Water, and the operator, Veolia North America. The $181 million integrated progressive design-build project is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

“Advancing this project from the engineering design phase to the construction phase showcases our team’s success obtaining all permits to deliver the final design to the client and break ground. The project milestone marks our team’s major progress on the integrated progressive design-build,” said Patrick Victor, client service leader.

“This project represents the future of the region’s water supply,” said Frank Terrasi, president at CDM Smith Construction. “We’re focused on expanding the plant while keeping it running every day for the communities that rely on it.”