FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 14, 2014
SOUTH FLORIDA FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT APPROVED
~DEP issues construction permit for new levee system~
WEST PALM BEACH – Addressing water quality and quantity continues
to be a top priority for the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection. In a move to increase flood
protection for south Florida residents, the department today issued a permit
for the construction of a new levee system. This project is a cooperative
effort between the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Indian Trail
Improvement District (ITID).
The environmental resource permit is for the
construction of a 6.25 mile levee system within the J.W.
Corbett Wildlife Management Area located in western Palm Beach County. The
levee system improvement project consists of constructing a new levee within
uplands and wetlands in areas which separate J.W. Corbett from the ITID M-O Canal.
In August 2012, Tropical Storm Isaac brought unprecedented rainfall to areas of central and western Palm Beach County resulting in widespread flooding. During post-storm evaluations conducted by the state, the ITID M-O Canal was identified as an area of critical concern because of localized slope failures, excessive seepage and the formation of boils. Under the direction of Governor Rick Scott, the SFWMD convened a multi-agency working group in September 2012 to develop a plan for strengthening the M-O Canal in an effort to meet current standards and to improve flood protection and safety to the residents in the surrounding areas.
“I’m excited about the effect this project will have on the
local community,” said Jill Creech, director of DEP’s Southeast District. “The
impact from Tropical Storm Isaac on the property owners in western Palm Beach
County was huge. This project will help restore some peace of mind for residents
should another significant weather event, such as Isaac, bear down on our
community.”
The purpose of the project is to improve flood protection for the residents of the surrounding areas. In addition, the project will expand operational control of water levels as originally designed and permitted, which may attract additional endangered species to inhabit the area.
“The district moved historic amounts of water from the
deluge caused by Tropical Storm Isaac and worked to shore up a key berm for better protection in an
emergency situation,” said John Mitnik, SFWMD bureau chief of operations, engineering and construction. “We have
engineered a new levee and are ready to initiate construction to help ensure
the safety of residents for years to come.”
Phase one of the project is anticipated to be
complete by January 2016. Phase two will follow and the levee should be
complete by January 2018. The total cost
of the project is estimated at $7.8 million.
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