Hollywood CRA reviews basin inspections, contractors identify pipe leaks and valve problems along A1A

The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency on Sept. 4 heard detailed findings from contractors and the Florida Department of Transportation about repeated tidal flooding along the A1A corridor and several drainage basins. CRA and city staff said targeted, sectional repairs and improved coordination with FDOT are the most practicable path to reduce water rising out of catch basins during high tides.

CRA Executive Director George introduced the presentation and Ben Morello, the city’s director of utilities, told the board the agencies are “working, collaborating” with FDOT and the CRA to reduce flooding along the A1A corridor. Contractors reported a mix of causes: failing backflow preventer valves in some locations and inflow and infiltration (I&I) through pipe cracks and structure connections in others.

EnviroWaste said its CCTV inspection of the Oregon Street Basin found three pipe sections that need sleeve lining and roughly a dozen structures that require sealing. Mike Garcia of EnviroWaste summarized the work and recommended spot sectional repairs instead of full manhole‑to‑manhole lining where possible. Flowtech’s presentation identified several small segments in New York Street and Arizona Street basins with fractures and holes; the firm estimated small CIPP sleeve repairs at roughly $15,000 each and noted one larger grouting repair with a preliminary price of about $44,000 if performed immediately.

James Poole of FDOT described recent maintenance and said the agency is obtaining contractor quotes and coordinating repairs. Poole also addressed a specific valve failure at Madison Street, saying he had consulted the valve manufacturer and that the failure appeared unusual. “We were in touch with the representative for that device, and he said in his whole career he hadn’t seen anything like it,” Poole said, adding FDOT will continue inspections and maintenance and partner with the city on prioritized work.

Board members pressed staff on near‑term actions before the fall king tides. Several members urged rapid deployment of CCTV and targeted inspections at low tide to determine whether obstructions or valve problems can be corrected quickly. Staff said CRA‑funded contractors are already in the corridor and will prioritize camera runs, and that staff will provide FDOT maintenance with the inspection evidence to accelerate repairs. The board also asked staff to return with a clearer maintenance timetable and to invite FDOT maintenance crews to report at a future meeting.

The presentation laid out both short‑term and long‑term steps: immediate sectional repairs and grouting where cost‑effective, continued WAPRO/backflow valve inspections and replacements, and a multi‑year program of inflow and infiltration reduction as part of the larger Phase 4 streetscape work. Staff said some repairs can be done by CRA contractors and then billed or negotiated with FDOT as part of a coordinated implementation plan, but that jurisdictional limits mean many outfall structures on A1A remain FDOT responsibility.

The board did not vote on a project funding package at the meeting; members instead directed staff to proceed with targeted camera inspections in the coming days, to share the contractor videos and cost worksheets with FDOT, and to return with scheduling and cost options ahead of the next high‑tide season.