CLEWISTON – The Clewiston City Commission approved additional funding for the C-21 Bridge Replacement project and the purchase of a solid waste collection truck at their Dec. 7 special meeting.

“The city embarked to create new access facility across the C-21 Canal when South Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) announced that the S-69 structure needed to be replaced. During the discussions with SFWMD, the decision to move the S-169 further west created an opportunity for the city to improve the economy by opening more boating access farther west along the C-21 Canal than is possible with S-169 at its current location. The replacement structure, S-169 is under construction now at the intersection of the C-20 Canal and C-21 Canal. The original bridge construction cost was estimated at about $2,000,000 without knowledge of changes that were required during permitting and through the Florida Department of Transportation funding administration,” explained Randy Martin, Clewiston City Manager. This resolution was approved unanimously.

The commission also approved purchase of a used solid solid waste collection truck as the current 2001 Mack in use in the North side of US21, has broken down from suspension and transmission issues. This had left them in a difficult situation regarding regular and reliable trash collection.

“We found a 2015 Cram Carrier automated side loader at a dealership in Daytona,” explained City Manager, Randy Martin. “Asking price $75,000, about a third of what a new automated side loader would cost today.” He also mentioned that this would mean a new truck purchase, outlined in the 2022/23 plan, would no longer be needed. This resolution was approved unanimously.

Regular Commission meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the city hall commission chambers, 115 West Ventura Avenue. Special meetings may be held at the call of the Mayor or by a majority of the Commission.

If you have an issue you wish to discuss at a city commission meeting, submit a written request to be included on the next commission meeting’s agenda. Direct your request to City Clerk Kathy Combass at Kathy.Combass@clewiston-fl.gov or telephone 863-983-1484.