CRA approves $1.016 million contract for 30 backflow preventers after FDOT outlines A1A drainage work

The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously April 6 to award a contract to Southeastern Engineering Contractors to install 30 backflow-preventer (Wapro) valves along east–west streets from Hollywood Boulevard to Sheridan Street in an amount up to $1,016,000 with a 30% contingency.

The vote came after a presentation from Florida Department of Transportation District 4 officials that framed the contract as part of a multi-pronged approach to address chronic “sunny-day” and king-tide flooding along State Road A1A. Steve Braun, FDOT District 4 secretary, said the district has coordinated with the city, the CRA and Broward County on drainage investments for more than 20 years and described the current pump-station and seawall projects under construction.

"We've prioritized this corridor and we're committed to getting the work done," Braun said, adding that the current installations were conceived as a pilot partnership to test effectiveness and refine funding partnerships for additional stations.

District drainage engineer James Poole summarized recent inspection and repair work: a series of video inspections led to phase 1 pipe lining and corrective work completed in March (estimated repairs for phase 1 were $353,000), with phase 2 planned to address eight additional basins (estimated at $210,000). Poole said FDOT conducts twice-yearly inspections of backflow-preventer devices with a dive team and follows up when issues are found, but that comprehensive system inspections have historically been performed on a project or as-needed basis.

"Those inspections are happening," Poole said. "If they've missed one, there's follow-up. There's accountability."

During questions, board members and residents pressed FDOT on whether the twice-yearly checks were sufficient for the A1A corridor and requested a proactive, scheduled inspection protocol for the drainage pipe network. Board members asked the technical working group FDOT and city staff recently formed to develop a written protocol that clarifies inspection frequency, responsibilities and whether the city can access or augment FDOT's maintenance contract to speed repairs.

Resident Bob Glickman, during public comment, said the community has seen inconsistent maintenance and urged clearer reporting when contractors damage underground drainage. "We need to get on that routine schedule," Glickman said, describing roadway and traffic impacts around current pump-station construction.

The board approved the contract for the 30 valves after staff outlined a procurement and installation sequence. A Southeastern Engineering representative said the company planned to start work within a month and estimated a four- to six-month installation window.

FDOT officials also told the board that two additional pumps in the southern corridor — at Jefferson Street and Foxglove Terrace — are critical to close gaps in the system and are estimated at roughly $22.5 million for both; negotiations over funding partnerships and reimbursements are ongoing.

The board directed staff and the working group to return with a recommended inspection schedule and further options for coordination with FDOT and the CRA to expedite maintenance responses.

The resolution authorizing the contract carried by voice vote with no opposition.