Project Summary
The project plan will construct a new stormwater bypass along George Road, enlarge and enhance flow in existing channels, and install additional culverts to reroute runoff southwest through the Air Cargo Ditch and under Bray Road toward Old Tampa Bay. On West Hillsborough Avenue, a dedicated trunk line will capture roadway runoff, conveying it south via Daniels Road to an improved ditch system, complemented by vegetation clearing and re-grading that tie into earlier channel work. The scope of work will include dredging in the LSWC main channel, extending approximately 1,275 feet south and 2,725 feet north of the channels crossing with Memorial Highway. Additionally, this project includes excavation of a 2.5 acre pond within Sweetwater Park.
Community Benefit
The objective of this project is to reduce flood elevations and flooding duration throughout the area, improve water quality, and provide a habitat restoration utilizing an environmentally sensitive design, which is supported by the community and key project stakeholders. By preventing roadway flooding along West Hillsborough Avenue and adjacent arterial roads, the proposed drainage upgrades safeguard critical east-west routes used by emergency vehicles, transit, and supply trucks serving vital infrastructure such as Tampa International Airport, which have previously experienced disrupted access due to flooded roads. The proposed drainage improvements directly reduce flooding depths around the Henry Street Canal and West Hillsborough Avenue neighborhoods, lowering peak water stages by as much as 3.7 feet during frequent storm events. The project minimizes repetitive damages and losses by significantly reducing flood depths in areas that have historically experienced recurring inundation, particularly near the Henry Street Canal and West Hillsborough Avenue. Over time, this investment in flood mitigation will break the cycle of damage and repair, fostering a more resilient and sustainable community. This project will be carried out under the Infrastructure Program to address (1) known infrastructure deficiencies, (2) provide mitigation and resilience measures to better protect infrastructure from increased frequency and severity of storm events, and (3) align with the County’s long-term recovery and resiliency strategy.
Total Amount BOCC Approved:
$5,600,000.00
Project Status:
Approved
HUD National Objective:
LMI/LMA
Project Location(s)
| Address | Anticipated Construction Start Date | Anticipated Construction End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 5106 George Rd, Tampa, FL 33634 | 01/01/2029 |