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USACE and SFWMD update dozens of restoration projects; Corps to release IDS draft in October

County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee, Saint Lucie, and Caloosahatchee Estuaries in the Lake Worth Lagoon · September 6, 2024
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Summary

The Army Corps updated the coalition on Picayune Strand construction (canal plugging, culverts, levee work) and the Corps said a draft Integrated Delivery Schedule will be presented in October; South Florida Water Management District listed multiple reservoirs, STAs and storage projects coming online in 2025.

Major Corey Bell of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers introduced the new district commander and said the Corps is focused on emergency management, flood protection and partnership with local sponsors. Corps project manager Steve Basing gave a detailed account of Picayune Strand restoration work — backfilling Merritt, Prairie and Faka Union canals; completed pump stations; removal of roughly 260 miles of roads; and culvert projects along US 41 and County Road 92.

A Corps presenter (introduced by staff as Miss Velez/Avery) said the Corps is updating its Integrated Delivery Schedule. "We are in the process of updating it right now... we will be presenting a draft in October for everyone to learn about and see the draft update for 2024," she told the coalition and added that Lake Okeechobee was at about 14.4 feet at the time of the meeting.

Drew Bartlett of the South Florida Water Management District reviewed district-scale projects and funding challenges, including C-44 and C-43 reservoirs, above- and underground storage (ASR wells), wetland treatment systems and coastal resilience work. Bartlett said many projects or their components will be online or under construction in 2025 and emphasized funding and long-term maintenance needs.

The agencies fielded technical questions from county commissioners about conveyance, culvert completion along US 41, and how projects will protect groundwater and estuarine salinity. Corps and district staff committed to continued coordination with counties on conveyance and flood-protection features.

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