June 2024

Work progresses of stormwater utility upgrades as city hit

by another round of heavy rain

What was once uncommon is now becoming way too common. 

Last April, large portions of the city ended up flooded in what meteorologists said was a once-in-a-1,000-year rain event. Who would have ever thought we would be inundated again so quickly? 

Yet, last week, we were hit by extreme rains from a tropical system. And again, Fort Lauderdale – as well as neighboring communities across Broward and Miami-Dade counties – experienced flooding and impassible roads.

It's the new reality of a world undergoing significant climate change. 

I’m pleased to see that city public works and emergency response staff quickly moved to address the heavy rain – more than nine inches of rain in a 24-hour period. That’s after daily forecasts predicted two inches of rain. 

Public works crews identified and deployed resources, including temporary pumps and vacuum trucks to protect our most vulnerable neighborhoods. The new pumps proved very valuable in supporting our flood response through the drainage of standing water. At the peak, we had 15 pump trucks and 25 temporary pumps operating in flooded areas.

In response to my declaration of a state of emergency, state and federal officials reached out to us to offer assistance. I’d particularly like to thank Gov. DeSantis’ emergency management director, Kevin Guthrie, as well as Jimmy Petronis, the state’s Chief Financial Officer, for offering any available state resources. 

This included the commitment of airboats and high-water buggies from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as additional pumps trucks. I also want to thank U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her reaching out and offering federal assistance if needed. 

Thankfully, we had no loss of life and no calls for high-water rescues. Fewer homes were flooded this time compared to last year.

The rains are another indicator of the need for the city to move forward aggressively with its planned upgrades to our stormwater drainage system and flood controls. Unfortunately, many of our lowest-lying neighborhoods were built decades ago without any drainage system or ones barely able to handle the most minor of storms. Work to modernize these systems takes years to complete, but we are well underway. 

Over the past five years, Fort Lauderdale has committed $200 million to a comprehensive stormwater management program aimed at reducing flooding impacts in our most vulnerable neighborhoods. This initiative has involved significant revisions to stormwater design standards and the construction of eight new pump stations strategically placed to manage stormwater effectively.

Furthermore, following last year's significant flooding event, we've embarked on an even larger $500 million stormwater investment known as Fortify Lauderdale. This ambitious initiative includes the design of seventeen neighborhood-wide stormwater projects and aims to enhance our infrastructure over the next decade.

Through Fortify Lauderdale, we're not only increasing our minimum design standards but also focusing on educating our residents and businesses about resilient design features to mitigate future risks. Our goal is to ensure that all new stormwater infrastructure can withstand up to ten inches of rain in a 24-hour period, a significant improvement from previous standards.

Here is what we’ve done in one low-lying area — Edgewood. 

The Edgewood Area Stormwater Improvements Project was completed six months ahead of schedule at a construction cost of $14.5 million. The construction consisted of approximately 5.3 miles of new drainage pipe, 400 stormwater structures, in addition to swales, headwalls and miscellaneous restoration. 

The new infrastructure connects to the River Oaks pump station complex, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed in December. Until the permanent pump stations are fully online, the city is utilizing bypass stations to ensure that the Edgewood and River Oaks neighborhood systems are drained during rainfall events.

Also, the Osceola Creek Restoration Project has reached substantial completion. 

This $6 million project consisted of dredging 1,500 linear feet of Osceola Creek, vegetation removal and bank stabilization. This is intended to provide flood relief for the lower southwest portions of the Edgewood neighborhood.

Last week also should serve as an important reminder of the ongoing hurricane season. Weather forecasters are expecting it to be an extraordinarily active one. 

It’s been a couple years now since Fort Lauderdale has been impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane, but no one should let their guard down. Please make sure you, your family and friends are prepared. 

Here are three fundamental actions to kick-start your hurricane preparedness:

1. Make a Plan: Develop a comprehensive evacuation strategy outlining what steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane. Share this plan with your family and friends, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

2. Build a Kit: Assemble an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies to sustain you and your family for three to five days. Remember to include ample water, non-perishable food items, batteries, a phone charger, a flashlight, medications, and cash. Preparation is key, and having these supplies readily available can make all the difference in an emergency.

3. Stay Informed: Stay abreast of weather forecasts and alerts, keeping a keen eye on both rain and wind hazards associated with hurricanes. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City of Fort Lauderdale at fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl to receive timely updates and crucial information.

Additionally, to mitigate potential risks, consider fortifying your home with impact-resistant windows and doors, documenting your belongings, and reviewing your insurance coverage.

Our City’s Quick Tips Guide is a valuable resource for preparing. Remember, being prepared isn’t just a precaution—it’s a lifeline during times of crisis, safeguarding both lives and property.

Yours,

Dean