Key West city officials, joined by State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, formally accepted $1 million in state funding that will be divided between urgent wastewater repairs and improvements to a major safe‑cycling route. The appropriation, approved in the prior legislative session, sends $500,000 to line and rehabilitate 58 aging manholes and $500,000 toward stormwater drainage, sub‑surface repairs, paving and striping on the Crosstown Greenway and Von Phister corridor.

The manhole lining and rehabilitation work is designed to reduce groundwater inflow into the wastewater system, a chronic maintenance and operating challenge for coastal municipalities. By reducing infiltration, the project is expected to lower plant operating costs and ease pressure on the city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure. City managers view the work as preventative investment that can extend the life of existing systems and help control future service costs.

The other half of the appropriation targets stormwater and surface improvements on two connected segments of Key West’s cycling network. The Crosstown Greenway and Von Phister corridor serve as a key safe‑cycling route for commuters, residents and visitors. Upgrades will include targeted drainage improvements and sub‑surface repairs to address recurring pooling and pavement damage, plus paving and striping to improve rider visibility and lane separation. These interventions are intended to reduce hazards from standing water and deteriorated pavement, improving year‑round usability of the route.

For local residents, the funding represents a dual benefit: enhanced reliability of essential wastewater services and safer, more reliable active‑transportation infrastructure. Reduced groundwater inflow into sewer systems can decrease the frequency of emergency repairs and the operational burden on treatment facilities, while better stormwater management and pavement repairs can reduce localized flooding and improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Given Key West’s role as both a residential community and a tourism destination, such investments also have implications for public health, visitor experiences and municipal finances.

The acceptance of the funds underscores cooperation between municipal leaders and state representatives to address infrastructure needs. With the appropriation already authorized by the legislature, the city’s next steps will focus on project planning, procurement and construction scheduling to move the work from concept to the street. As implementation proceeds, residents can expect construction activity in targeted corridors and periodic public notices from the city about timelines and access changes.

Taken together, the projects form a pragmatic package of repairs and upgrades that aim to strengthen the city’s utility systems and active‑transportation network, improving daily life for residents and helping maintain the resilience and attractiveness of Key West’s built environment.