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County moves from assessment to project‑level planning after regional stormwater study
Summary
Following an independent post‑hurricane assessment, Hillsborough County is advancing feasibility and design work in 18 flood focus areas and will pursue maintenance, capital projects and a rate study to fund long‑term resilience measures.
Hillsborough County staff told commissioners on Sept. 17 that the county is moving from a high‑level regional stormwater assessment into project‑level planning for 18 identified flood focus areas, with engineering, maintenance clarifications and capital‑project identification underway.
Background: The county engaged Black & Veatch to complete a post‑hurricane regional stormwater assessment after Hurricane Milton. The study identified 18 flood focus areas across the county and provided conceptual recommendations for maintenance priorities and capital projects.
Work under way: County staff highlighted four focus areas as pilots for moving from concept to implementation:
- Pemberton Creek / Baker Canal: County crews completed more than 5,000 feet of emergency washout restoration and bank stabilization where easements permit, and about 900 feet of ditch and pipe cleaning. Black & Veatch will help clarify maintenance responsibilities and identify capital projects for conveyance and bank stabilization. - North Dale / Carolwood / Brushy Creek: The county has done sediment removal and bank restoration at key crossings and will pursue conveyance and habitat restoration planning over roughly 2 miles of creek. - Town and Country canals: The area has about 20 miles of man‑made canals and tidal influence; county staff identified channel restoration and regional drainage projects as priorities. - Shangri La: County staff and SWFWMD have coordinated with residents on near‑term actions and are planning a permanent stormwater pumping station for the neighborhood.
Funding and next steps: Staff said additional capital projects will be added to the county’s list of unfunded needs. The county will complete a rate study for the stormwater non‑ad‑valorem assessment by the end of the calendar year; other funding avenues could include special local assessments, Community Investment Tax revenue and federal grants (CDBG‑DR mentioned as a potential source). The board received the report and asked staff to return with funding strategies and project prioritization.
Ending note: Staff emphasized continued agency coordination and community engagement as central to moving conceptual recommendations into feasibility, design, permitting and funding.
