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County survey maps 37 miles of canals, estimates $14M–$22M to dredge to target depth
Summary
A consultant presented multibeam hydrographic results showing sediment accumulation in canals west of US‑19; dredging volumes to reach a -5 ft MLW template would range roughly $13.9M–$21.7M (low–high). Next steps: benthic/seagrass sampling, geotech testing, permitting and staged design; possible funding paths include MSBUs or project‑level grants.
A county‑commissioned multibeam hydrographic survey of roughly 37 miles of canals west of US‑19 mapped bottom elevations and calculated volumes required to dredge to an industry‑standard target depth (negative 5 feet mean low water). Rachel Zastrow of Stantec presented colorized depth maps and sediment‑thickness templates and estimated subarea dredge volumes. "For subarea 1 you're looking at about almost 19,000 cubic yards...the low cost estimate is about $135 per cubic yard and the high about $210," Zastrow said; total low/high cost for the six surveyed subareas was roughly $13.9M–$21.7M.
Stantec recommended next steps including benthic and seagrass surveys (summer window), geotechnical sampling to classify sediment and determine beneficial reuse options, detailed design, and permitting with state and federal agencies. Commissioners and residents pressed for funding models—MSBU assessments for private canals, targeted grants for high‑priority river‑adjacent canals (e.g., Weeki Wachee/Mud River), and coordinated citizen coalitions. Utilities/engineering staff said the data provides a prioritization tool and supports grant‑seeking and phased projects.
