EDIT: This story originally said the city of Riviera Beach didn't answer our questions about this story. That is true, but it did direct us to an August interview with its city manager that we didn't put in the original story.
The city of Riviera Beach said it will start building a new water treatment plant in June 2025, according to an appropriations project request submitted to the Florida House of Representatives.
The original start date for construction on the plant was more than three years ago, according to a sign at the site. The Riviera Beach Special Utilities District, which is controlled by Riviera Beach’s City Council, is also accused of more than 100 violations of state and federal law related to water quality during the delay in construction.
WATCH: A construction start date for new water treatment plant
Mary Braham, who first spoke with WPTV about yellow water coming from her tap in January 2024, said she’s hopeful the new water plant will fix the problems with the utility. She said she’s driven past the site of the new water plant and has been disappointed with the progress.
“When I pass that sign, tears come to me whether I’m here to see it or not,” Braham said. “But, I hope that it will be built, not just for Mrs. Braham. But, like I’ve always said, for my children.”
City officials originally estimated the water treatment plant would cost about $150 million in 2021. However, officials now estimate the cost of the plant is around $400 million.
Braham said she believes the document showing a construction start date in less than four months will allow people to hold public officials accountable moving forward.
WATCH: A mockup of the new water treatment plant
“If you put it in black and white here, that means you should have your perimeters and have everything set and in motion,” she said.
City Manager Jonathan Evans, who currently oversees Riviera Beach's Special Utility District, told our Jamie Ostroff in August 2024 the city would search for different loan options from the state and federal government as well as possible rate increases.
Then, city officials said the water treatment plan would cost $350 million. The city's Special Utilities Board, which has the same make up as the city council, approved rate hikes as well.
