San Carlos Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project
The San Carlos Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project focuses on flood mitigation in parts of San Carlos Park. This initiative aims to restore drainage in canals and roadside swales through maintenance efforts, including clearing the Right of Ways (ROW) and Easements. Initially started on December 10, 2021, the project continued until July 26, 2022. Work was paused during the peak of the rainy season and scheduled to resume in October 2022. Unfortunately, due to the unexpected landfall of Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, the contract was canceled.
The damages from Hurricane Ian were promptly assessed but had to be addressed separately due to CDBG requirement constraints. A separate grant from the United States Department of Agricultural Natural Resources Conservation Services (USDA NRCS) was awarded to Lee County to handle the Ian-related work, which was completed between June 26, 2023, and September 18, 2023.
With the Ian-related work now complete, the Hurricane Irma CDBG project will resume. The project was advertised for bid in November 2023 and January 2024. The Lee County Board of County Commissioners awarded the contract to the Aquatic Control Group in April 2024. Work is expected to run from May 2024 through July 2024.
San Carlos Park was significantly affected by flooding in 2017 when heavy August rains were followed by Hurricane Irma in September. This highlighted the urgent need for flood mitigation measures, prompting the Board of County Commissioners to pursue a community development grant in 2019 to assist with the cost of these efforts.
In June 2020, the Board accepted a $7.1 million Community Development Block Grant from the State of Florida for repairs to the drainage infrastructure and sidewalks. Contracts for the work were awarded in August 2021.
Importance of Flood Mitigation in Southwest Florida
Flood mitigation is critically important in Southwest Florida due to its susceptibility to heavy rains, hurricanes, and rising sea levels. Effective flood mitigation efforts help protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from water damage, reduce the risk of loss of life, and minimize economic disruptions. In areas like San Carlos Park, proactive measures ensure that drainage systems are capable of handling significant rainfall, reducing the likelihood of flooding during extreme weather events. Investing in flood mitigation not only preserves property values but also enhances community resilience against future natural disasters.
To check if your home will be affected by this project and to track the progress of the ongoing work, use the interactive map HERE.
For more information from the county CLICK HERE.
