Regional Integrated Loop Phase 3C Pipeline

With interlocal agreements between Sarasota and Manatee Counties nearing expiration, the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (PRMRWSA) needed to quickly expand its potable water supply. PRMRWSA planned a new connection between northern Sarasota County and the Regional Integrated Loop—an 80-mile transmission system serving regional member governments to meet growing demand and ensure long-term reliability.

Partnering with Garney as the design-builder, Ardurra as lead engineer, and Wade Trim as design subcontractor, PRMRWSA launched its first progressive design-build (PDB) project to deliver this critical infrastructure on an accelerated timeline.

The project involved installing over seven miles of 42-inch steel water transmission main through densely developed residential and commercial areas. The PDB team divided the pipeline into three segments, allowing permitting, easement acquisition, design, and construction to move forward concurrently. This phased approach facilitated early material procurement and accelerated the overall timeline. By breaking the project into segments, the team prioritized construction in areas without environmental or species impact, avoiding lengthy regulatory reviews and minimizing delays. 

During construction, the team addressed a challenging alignment that included five trenchless crossings using jack-and-bore methods, multiple open-cut roadway crossings, and installing a 160-foot prefabricated aerial bridge over a creek. Garney standardized pipe fittings and appurtenances, allowing materials to be ordered early and adjusted in the field. This approach, combined with close coordination among various stakeholders and several concurrent infrastructure projects in the area, kept the project on track despite utility conflicts, easement delays, and weather-related disruptions. 

The project’s success highlights the benefits of early collaboration, strategic planning, and adaptable construction methods in delivering critical infrastructure under tight timelines. With the PDB approach, PRMRWSA was able to meet growing water demands while minimizing disruptions to the surrounding community. The result is a resilient connection to the regional water supply that supports the long-term needs of Sarasota County.