WEST PALM BEACH, FL (January 20, 2022) – Four City of West Palm Beach flooding resilience projects, or proposed projects, are among 76 proposed projects comprising Governor Ron DeSantis’s first ever Statewide Flooding Resilience Plan, a three-year plan to protect Florida’s coastal and inland communities.

According to a press release from the Governor’s office, the plan consists of a list of projects that will enhance Florida’s efforts to protect inland waterways, coastlines, shores, and coral reefs, which are invaluable natural defenses against sea-level rise and flooding. The plan is part of Senate Bill 1954, signed by the Governor last year. The projects total over $270 million, subject to appropriation, across the state.

“The City of West Palm Beach applauds Governor DeSantis’s dedication to and leadership on resiliency and the implementation of the Resilient Florida Grant Program, making it possible for West Palm Beach resiliency projects to be included in the 2022-23 Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan,” said Mayor Keith A. James.

Subject to appropriation, Resilient Florida grants to West Palm Beach will be applied to these following projects:

• Seawall Elevation Pilot Project (Requested funding: $3.675M): This pilot project will include the design, permitting, and reconstruction of a 1,425-foot segment of the seawall along Flagler Drive between Avila Road and Pershing Way, as well as a 300-foot section north of the Bristol condominium. These seawall segments were identified as top priorities based on existing conditions, proximity to roadways, and volume of traffic. The new seawalls will be designed for future sea level rise and storm surge conditions.
• North Flagler Drive Drainage Improvements (Requested funding: $1M): Severe flooding has occurred along the 3300-3500 blocks of North Flagler Drive due to drainage outfall capacity issues, sea level rise effects on the tailwater conditions of the drainage system, and localized low areas in the drainage basin. Drainage improvements include separating the affected area system from the basin-wide system, installing additional outfalls, and installing check valves.
• Currie Park Stormwater Improvements (Requested funding: $1.875): The city will incorporate resilience activities into the revitalization and redevelopment of 13-acre Currie Park to address the impacts of flooding and sea level rise. Through drainage system improvements, enhancement of seawall sections, and natural stormwater elements, the project will decrease the threat of flooding to the park and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Flagler Drive Lift Station Retrofits -Design & Construction (Requested funding: $405K): This project will adapt two lift stations along Flagler Drive to mitigate King Tide and general tidal flooding impacts. The city’s two most vulnerable lift stations and supporting infrastructure will be retrofitted to make hardening modifications and elevate the stations to a recommended resiliency height.

A 50% funding match is required of the city.

A list of projects in the plan can be found HERE.

Did you know you can view an interactive map of infrastructure improvements in our city? An interactive map and details of city projects within the city’s Capital Improvement Projects Program can be found HERE.