In the latest Lee County recovery news, Cape Coral isn’t waiting around for the next disaster. City leaders are planning and sharpening their recovery plans, determined to meet future storms head-on.
“We want to make sure that when disaster hits, we’re ready—and that our city’s resilient,” said Ryan Lamb, who leads emergency management for Cape Coral.
On Tuesday, folks from all over the city came together. They sat down with Tetra Tech, the consulting firm guiding the city through this new recovery plan, and shared their stories: what worked, what didn’t, what they still need.
Who is Tetra Tech?
Tetra Tech stands out as a top global consulting and engineering firm, especially with water, environmental work, and sustainable infrastructure. Headquartered in Pasadena and founded back in 1966, they handle projects from start to finish, from planning, design, to construction management, all focusing heavily on science and sustainability.
They’re not just talking the talk, either. As of 2025 and 2026, Tetra Tech is busy in Cape Coral, Florida. In April 2025, the city picked Tetra Tech to lead the engineering design and technical work for expanding the North Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant. This $60 million job boosts the plant’s capacity by 50% and doubles ground storage, which is a big deal for a city that’s growing fast and needs to ease the strain on local aquifers.
Looking ahead, Tetra Tech isn’t stopping at water treatment. By early 2026, they’re also working with Cape Coral on disaster recovery planning, helping the city bounce back from hurricanes and manage recovery costs.
Here’s what Tetra Tech brings to the table:
– Water Management: They design everything from water supply and treatment systems to distribution networks, including cutting-edge brackish water desalination.
– Environmental Management: They tackle environmental restoration, hazardous waste cleanup, and ecological renewal.
– Infrastructure & Sustainability: They focus on building resilient infrastructure and driving the shift to clean energy.
– Digital Solutions: They use AI, data analytics, and SCADA systems to make infrastructure smarter and more efficient.
– Disaster Recovery: They help governments handle emergencies, assess damage, and plan for resilience.
Tetra Tech isn’t new to Florida. They’ve been active in the region for about 40 years, building a reputation for tackling tough challenges. Whether they’re leading advanced water treatment projects or helping cities recover from disasters, their approach is always the same: use science and innovation to improve lives.
After Hurricane Ian, Lee County received a $1.1 billion boost to help rebuild. This planning effort is just one of five extensive projects funded by that money.
Cindy Magnuson from the Red Cross didn’t hold back; she clarified that recovery isn’t just about fixing buildings. It’s about helping people heal, too, especially with mental health and post-traumatic stress.
The city plans to wrap up its disaster and cost recovery plan in the next two months. Time’s ticking, but Cape Coral’s not slowing down.
