DeBary approves joint agreement with Volusia County for $8.6M West Highbanks flood mitigation project

The City of DeBary authorized a joint project agreement with Volusia County to build a shovel‑ready stormwater system on West Highbanks Road after the county awarded an $8.6 million HUD/CDBG grant to the city.

City staff described the project as a long‑planned, engineered solution that will replace primitive open ditches along West Highbanks Road with piped stormwater conveyance and a retention pond system designed to transport water to the St. Johns River. City manager said the engineering is nearly complete and that the county will perform procurement and construction under the grant terms.

“As you know, the design and engineering is 99% complete,” the city manager said. “Unique, all procurement will be done by Volusia County. And that's our — I think that's a requirement from the HUD CDBG grant with Volusia County — is that they will handle all procurement with city oversight and assistance.”

The county’s award of $8.6 million plus the city’s $500,000 match was presented as a combined project of about $9.1 million. Under the joint agreement, the county will manage procurement and construction; the city is responsible for covering any costs that exceed the HUD amount. City staff warned the council that if the project bids come in above the grant, the council would need to decide whether to increase the city contribution, reduce project scope, or allow the grant to be reallocated.

Officials said federal environmental review and clearance will follow county approval of the agreement; that review typically takes several months, followed by a 90–120 day procurement window. Staff estimated construction could begin in late 2026 if federal clearance and procurement timelines proceed as expected.

Council voted to approve the joint project agreement and authorized the city manager to execute it. The vote was unanimous.