Black & Veatch report flags stormwater funding gap; Hillsborough County outlines next steps including rate study and pump-station work

An independent assessment from Black & Veatch and a county staff briefing on July 23 laid out a series of findings and follow-up steps after Hillsborough County’s record inland flooding last year.

Black & Veatch lead John Dinges told the Board of County Commissioners the firm reviewed models, assets and public feedback gathered through interviews and eight public open-house meetings attended by more than 450 residents. “Our evaluation resulted in key findings with actionable recommendations,” Dinges said, summarizing a draft report the county has received.

The firm identified program strengths — flood modeling and mapping, regulation and a capital improvements program — but also flagged several opportunities: asset management (notably ditches and aging pump stations), interagency coordination across municipalities and agencies, public awareness and funding shortfalls. Black & Veatch estimated a multi-year work plan of roughly $300,000,000 of needed stormwater projects with a funding gap and suggested that fully implementing the capital plan could…