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Savannah staff details stormwater and drainage push, eyes $90M+ HMGP award while fee revenue will fund neighborhood projects
Summary
Stormwater staff described widening Springfield Canal, a viaduct bypass, and pursuit of a GEMA HMGP hazard mitigation grant potentially worth $90M+; council sought clarity on whether SPLOST, stormwater utility fees, and grants will equitably fund district priorities.
City staff used Monday’s capital workshop to walk the council through ongoing and planned stormwater and drainage improvements and the funding strategy behind them.
Zach Hoffman, senior director of stormwater, described multiple elements of the city’s plan: widening the Springfield Canal and creating ponds and wetlands as part of a future park, a viaduct bypass and canal widening near Boundary and Lewisville Road (design nearing completion), and a sequence of projects intended to increase storage and improve downstream drainage.
Hoffman told the council the city previously pursued a FEMA grant for building resilience but pivoted to pursue the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which staff estimated could be worth more than $90 million in potential grant funding if awarded. He said staff have used SPLOST balances and other local funds to leverage grant applications and are “fingers crossed” on the HMGP award process.
Council members pressed on how these large projects will be funded and where neighborhood-level stormwater projects fit. The city manager and staff said stormwater utility fee revenue will be split as directed by council: approximately half will fund neighborhood-based capital projects (culvert upsizing, neighborhood improvements) and the other half will fund operational capacity (vac trucks, cleaning crews). Staff additionally said many large projects include blends of SPLOST 7/8 funds, state and federal grants.
Staff gave details on specific projects: pipeline lining on Waters Avenue and Harmon Street to reduce blockages and improve flow into Henry Street drains; ongoing KC drainage improvements (Phase 2) with a deep tunnel design at 100% and near-term bidding; and planned multi-year work to improve subsurface surveys on River Street to inform construction.
Why it matters: drainage projects and utility-fee design shape resilience to flooding and determine which neighborhoods receive capital investments. Council members asked for clarity on how neighborhood priorities — particularly in Districts 3 and 4 and on Styles Avenue — are being sequenced and funded.
Staff did not report a final HMGP award or vote. They committed to continue pursuing grant funding and to provide council with detailed mapping of stormwater projects and funding sources.
