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Dear Neighbor,
Over the years, I have highlighted many infrastructure improvements in District 2; that list continues to grow and I am delighted to report on even more positive developments in our district regarding stormwater improvements, seawall replacement and other infrastructure that will be very beneficial for our District 2 neighborhoods in FY2024.
Major Infrastructure Project Updates in District 2
Southeast Isles Seawall Replacement Project
Construction is now underway along the south side of Las Olas Boulevard between Coconut Isle Drive and Royal Plaza Drive where four seawalls are being replaced and new stormwater infrastructure is being installed. The new seawalls will be constructed using corrosion-resistant steel sheet-piles with a concrete cap and will be elevated to 5 feet NAVD in accordance with the City’s seawall ordinance. Nearby stormwater infrastructure, including pipes, catch basins, and tidal valves will be improved to ensure proper drainage near the seawalls. The first seawall to be replaced is between Coconut Isle Drive and Lido Drive and crews will continue to move east along Las Olas Boulevard. This work in the Las Olas Isles neighborhood represents a nearly $3 million investment in our infrastructure that will help reduce tidal flooding, making us better prepared for future king tides and sea level rise. Crews began mobilizing earlier this month and completion is expected in Summer 2024.
Infrastructure Improvements for Sailboat Bend
The City has two projects planned for the upcoming year within Sailboat Bend. Within the next 1 to 1.5 months, construction will begin on a $247,000 stormwater improvement project near 1540 Argyle Drive to install five new catch basins and other improvements to drain rainwater from the roadway into the North Fork of the New River. The City also approved $578,279 in its fiscal year 2024 budget for project P12818, Sailboat Bend Stormwater Improvements, which will be used to initiate planning and design for a neighborhood-wide stormwater project. This effort will be part of the second Tranche of the Stormwater Master Plan improvements program.
Federal Funding for Cooley’s Landing in Sailboat Bend
On September 14th, we were given an update from Congressman Jared Moskowitz that the National Park Service has committed $1.1 million to renovate Cooley's Landing. We are undertaking seawall improvements, repairing waterfront access pathways and improving picnic facilities and restrooms. We also are adding new landscaping, lighting and benches.
The improvements at Cooley’s Landing will also be receiving $1.5 million in grants from FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District) and $600,000 from BBIP (Broward Boating Improvement Program) in addition to $1.1 million in Park Bond funding . These funds will help modernize the marina to improve boating and water access. The City Commission will officially accept these grants at an upcoming Commission meeting. This project is currently in the design phase and we will keep you updated regarding timelines, design concepts and much more!
Merle Fogg Seawall replacement Project in Idlewyld
I am so pleased about this next update. The Merle Fogg Seawall replacement project is finally underway. In January, the Commission approved an agreement for Merle Fogg Park Seawall Replacement in the amount of $1,022,459 with Ebsary Foundation Co. This seawall was included in the Seawall Master Plan several years out; however, I advocated for moving the timetable earlier, and a new 130 linear foot proposed seawall will be built to replace the collapsed seawall and will also be constructed to an elevation of five feet NAVD in accordance with the City’s seawall ordinance providing greater protection against future sea level rise. Additional improvements include storm inlet installation, landscaping restoration, and check valve installation. Construction has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2024.
$13.5 Million Grant for a Progresso Village Project.
In August, the City Commission approved a resolution that authorizes the City Manager to execute a reimbursable grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the amount of $13.5 million. The funds will be used for District 2's Progresso Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements Project, which includes the replacement of aging, undersized, and fragmented stormwater management infrastructure as well as construction of new infrastructure. These improvements will reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of flooding in the neighborhood and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
Stormwater Drainage in Middle River Terrace
The city will soon be starting two exciting projects to improve Middle River Terrace’s stormwater system. First, the city received a $23 million FEMA grant to restore the stormwater drains in eight neighborhoods -- including Middle River Terrace! They will be unclogging drains and cleaning out the silt in a massive project to restore the stormwater drainage system. Second, the proposed city budget includes $480,702 to upgrade the stormwater drainage system on Holly Heights Drive and adjacent streets east of Middle River Terrace Park.
NE 4th Ave. between Sunrise Blvd. and NE 13th Street Intersection Traffic Improvement in South Middle River/Middle River Terrace
The City of Fort Lauderdale will begin improvements on NE 4th Avenue, between Sunrise Blvd and NE 13th Street to enhance traffic safety for our neighbors. This project includes widening sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation systems, decorative pavement treatments, addition of a district sign, and infrastructure improvements. Construction is set to begin next week and be completed by mid-September 2024. I want to thank staff who, at my request, scheduled additional meetings with the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association and the South Middle River Civic Association before we approved this construction agreement.
Execution of the Water and Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan Agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Stormwater Improvement Projects in Seven City Neighborhoods including District 2’s Progresso Village, Victoria Park, and Southeast Isles
On September 19th, Staff recommended that the City Commission adopt a Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of the Water and Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan Agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finance a portion of the cost of construction of stormwater improvements in seven (7) City neighborhoods: River Oaks, Dorsey Riverbend, Durrs, Progresso Village, Victoria Park, Melrose Manors, and Southeast Isles.
Back on April 19, 2016, the City initiated the Stormwater Master Plan Modeling and Design Implementation Program, designed to resolve chronic flooding in seven (7) neighborhoods including District 2’s Progresso Village, Victoria Park, and Southeast Isles. The seven targeted neighborhoods suffer major flooding due to rainfall and/or high tides. The existing stormwater infrastructure in these areas is either nonexistent, undersized or in excess of fifty (50) years old, which is well beyond its operational lifespan.
Several of the neighborhoods were impacted by the flash flooding that occurred on April 12, 2023, further highlighting the necessity of stormwater improvements. The proposed stormwater improvements will install all new infrastructure to address the water quality and quantity needs of these areas. The improvements will minimize recurring flooding incidents/severity and promote an adaptable and resilient coastal community for the future.
Total construction costs are estimated at $244,885,772, of which up to $119,994,028 (49%) (the “WIFIA Loan”) can be financed through the WIFIA program. The WIFIA program accelerates investment in our nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects. The City submitted a letter of interest to the EPA and was one (1) of fifty-five (55) municipalities nationally that received an invitation to submit a WIFIA application. On June 6, 2023, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 23-112, authorizing the issuance of Stormwater Utility System Special Assessment Revenue Bonds, Series 2023A, in an amount not to exceed $210,000,000 (CAM #23-0116). As a result of the WIFIA Loan, the principal amount of the Series 2023A Bonds issued by the City was reduced to $88,485,000.
Isle of Venice Stormwater Improvement Project
In July, the City of Fort Lauderdale worked with Southern Underground Industries, Inc. to make improvements to the stormwater system at 40 Isle of Venice Drive that will help reduce tidal flooding. This project included replacing approximately 130 feet of 15-inch stormwater pipe and associated structures, restoring curb as needed and replacing a tidal valve. I am happy to report that this was completed at the end of August!
Existing Project Updates
A1A Streetscape project improvement
The City of Fort Lauderdale is working with Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. to make streetscape improvements along A1A from the Fort Lauderdale Beach Parking Lot entrance (near SE 5 Street) to Sunrise Boulevard. This project will enhance pedestrian lighting and safety and create a signature hardscape pattern at the intersection of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
This project remains on time and on budget. With 70% of the project being completed, construction is expected to be completed in December 2023. Almost all areas where open-trench installation is required for pedestrian lighting due to conflicts with existing utilities have been completed (90 out of 120 linear feet) and Sub-contractor UEG has completed work on all 117 concrete spread footers and installing pull boxes for light poles along southbound A1A.
Las Olas Undergrounding
The following is a look at the work that has taken place over the past month by Contractor & Sub-Contractors Ferreira, International Drilling, Inc. (IDD), Voss Engineering, OY Underground, and Best Underground.
- Completed installing vaults and junction boxes for AT&T and Comcast on all streets. The missile borers for residential service have been completed on all streets. Ferreira completed the installation of handhole and pedestals for AT&T and Comcast on all streets.
- Ferreira/IDD completed installing the 4-inch Comcast conduits on Las Olas Boulevard, which go under the vaults.
- FPL completed locates for proposed streetlights. L&S (FPL’s lighting contractor) has completed the installation of the junction boxes that go next to each streetlight. Streetlight poles have been staged on Las Olas Boulevard.
- Completed installation of FPL Vista switches within the Isle of Capri Drive median and all along Las Olas Boulevard.
- Ferreira has completed debris removal and asphalt patches on all streets.
Substantial completion is expected in November 2023 and final restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Thank you to all of our District 2 residents who consistently give their input on projects that come before the Commission. As we move towards the fourth quarter of 2023, I am very excited for the upcoming projects and funding that have been allocated to our District. We have made and will continue to make great strides in improving our infrastructure and not only beautifying our neighborhoods, but also preparing for sea level rise and becoming resilient.
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