Construction Project at Sulphur Springs Pool

If you've wondered about the construction that started last month next to the Sulphur Springs Pool, we've got good news and bad news. The pool will remain open and there won't be any disruption to traffic or business, but unfortunately they are not building a new water slide.

The construction is taking place at the pump station on Nebraska Avenue, adjacent to the Sulphur Springs Pool, and just north of the Hillsborough River. According to Eric Weiss, Chief Engineer of the Tampa Water Department, the work is necessary to control water flow and salinity between the Sulphur Springs Pool and the Hillsborough River.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District sets minimum proposed water levels to protect the state's water resources, and the construction will ensure that the Lower Hillsborough River meets those guidelines.

The project is expected to be complete within one year. CH2M Hill is the primary contractor, with fifteen subcontractors scheduled to participate. Half of the $4.5 million project is funded by the City of Tampa, with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Hillsborough River Basin Board contributing the other half.

The city established a goal of 5.7 percent participation by women- and minority-owned contracting businesses, and according to Weiss, that goal has been exceeded, at 8.5 percent.

The project's expected completion date is February 2012. In the meantime, residents will be able to enjoy the Sulphur Springs Pool all summer long.