The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently accepted applications under the Resilience and Coastal Protection Project funding program. In that regard an application was prepared to effectuate drainage improvements in the downtown area. Specifically, the application calls for the redevelopment of two fully paved parcels of property and they are the SunTrust and River Road Church properties. It then call for the establishment of a Floodable detention area capable of draining prior to a storm event to hold flood capacity through use of flood gates and outfall structures. The detention pond also allows for treatment of captured stormwater through various best management practices prior to discharge into the Pithlaschascotee River. A copy of the grant application along with a conceptual grading and drainage plan is attached for your review.
Incidentally, the total cost of the proposed project is $1,600,000 and if awarded the project would be administered over three fiscal years.
It may be appropriate to note at this time that some discussion took place earlier this year in respect to certain stormwater improvements in the downtown area (River Road and Acorn Street) and as a result an appropriation in the amount of $950,000 was designated from the American Rescue Plan Act funds to support this eligible activity. Therefore, funding is available to support the grant application.