Dunedin approves $1.38 million NRCS grant contract to clear storm debris from drainage channels
Loading...
Summary
The commission unanimously authorized an agreement with Crowder Gulf Joint Venture, funded by a USDA‑NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection grant not to exceed $1,378,275, to remove storm‑related debris from prioritized open channels; Tetra Tech monitoring was approved as a companion contract.
The City Commission on Oct. 9 unanimously approved an agreement with Crowder Gulf Joint Ventures, funded through a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection grant, to remove storm debris from prioritized drainage channels and creeks. The grant award not to exceed $1,378,275 will reimburse the city for contracted removal in designated segments.
City staff described the work as targeted to the worst‑affected watersheds, beginning at the Curlew Creek outfall and proceeding through Cherry Branch and Cedar Creek where debris blocks flow. Staff said crews used drones and on‑the‑ground inspections to prioritize segments and that the contract will not repair gabion structures or perform bank stabilization work; it is focused on removing hurricane‑related vegetation, downed trees and other storm debris that impede flow. Tetra Tech Inc. will provide monitoring and documentation required by the grant to validate quantities and disposal; that monitoring agreement was presented earlier as part of the consent agenda.
Staff said the work will use direct disposal to approved sites rather than a temporary laydown yard and that contractor mobilization could begin in October after pre‑construction meetings; staff estimated the initial phase would take a matter of weeks to a few months depending on field conditions. Commissioners and residents asked for scheduling notices to impacted properties; staff said they will notify residents in affected segments and post maps and schedules once the contractor provides a work plan.
Resident Jim Cowger asked whether the contract includes repair of gabion bank structures and clearing of an overgrown channel behind his home; staff said the project focuses on storm debris and vegetation removal and will document bank or structural issues for later maintenance projects, but gabion repairs are outside the current contract scope.
The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Walker and seconded by Commissioner Sandbergen; the roll‑call vote was unanimous.
