Palm Coast, FL - Aging infrastructure, years of growth and two hurricanes are leading the city of Palm Coast to embark on a stormwater management overhaul.
A drainage improvement project is already underway in Palm Coast's W Section. Beginning this week, the Public Works Department will clean and regrade the ditch system between Woodside Dr. and Pine Lakes Pkwy. Water levels will be intentionally kept lower than usual during the work.
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland said, "After Hurricane Irma in 2017, we discovered there were some areas that needed more attention than what routine maintenance can provide. That's when the City Council approved a comprehensive and very proactive plan that will be carried out in the coming months and into the future."
According to City Engineer Mike Peel, the new Master Plan will consider every aspect of the drainage system, taking a big-picture look to determine how all of the elements of the drainage system work together to protect homes and businesses from flooding.
A high-resolution surveying mapping technology, LIDAR, is being used, along with the latest stormwater computer modeling technology, in order to develop the Master Plan. A comprehensive report, provided by a consultant for the city and city staff, is expected to be presented by August. Recommendations are expected to include freshwater canal dredging, ditch cleaning and improvements for water quality as well as for conveyance and storage of stormwater.
The city does want public input and two outreach meetings are scheduled for Monday, March 25th, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center.
