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Orange Park outlines stormwater work; Johnson Slough culvert project held up by state/federal review
Summary
Public Works presented a stormwater report detailing the system (129,000 linear feet of pipe, 1,165 structures, roughly 7 miles of waterways) and listed capital projects including the Johnson Slough culvert (90% design) and multiple HMGP culvert replacements; staff said construction is pending FEMA/FDEM review.
The town’s public-works director reported to the Orange Park Town Council on Feb. 3 that the municipal stormwater system includes about 129,000 linear feet of stormwater pipe, 1,165 stormwater structures and roughly seven miles of waterways, and outlined maintenance and capital projects intended to reduce flooding and improve resilience.
"129,000 linear feet of stormwater pipe, 1,165 stormwater structures, and 7 miles of waterway," the Public Works presenter said, summarizing the system inventory and explaining routine operations such as ditch maintenance, inlet cleaning and street sweeping. Staff reported 336 tons of street-sweeping debris in 2024 as part of the municipal stormwater program.
Major capital-improvement projects listed included the Johnson Slough Roadway Culvert and Improvements Project (at about 90% design and in permitting), Chablis West Culvert Replacement (completed last summer), slope stabilization work at the Milwaukee sidewalk/boardwalk area, and ongoing debris clearing at the St. Francis outfall. Several culvert replacement projects in Morgan neighborhoods and Ash Street, Winford and River Road are pursuing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding and involve coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Council members pressed staff about the Winford culvert, which several speakers said has been in design and permitting for nearly two years. The public-works director said the design and permitting were completed almost two years ago and the project is awaiting FEMA/FDEM review and funding approval before construction can begin.
A member of the public later tied the Johnson Slough matter to concerns from the local water management district, saying district representatives worried proposed contractor work could raise elevations and harm wetlands. Council and staff said they continue to request redesign proposals and next steps and will share updates when federal or state approvals arrive.
