Volusia County Council Approves Series of Flood Mitigation Projects

The Volusia County Council on Tuesday approved a series of projects aimed at addressing flooding in the county. The efforts come in the wake of severe damage from storm surge and rainfall in Hurricane Milton among other recent major storms. Funding for the infrastructure projects comes from the federal government, contributing to what’s being called the Transform386 initiative. The Volusia County government applied for a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The projects approved by the Volusia County Council on Tuesday include the following, according to the county government. Stormwater & Flood Mitigation Plans Daytona Beach: “A citywide stormwater model and watershed management plan will be developed to evaluate existing and future flood risks across the city. The plan will help identify vulnerable areas and propose conceptual solutions to improve drainage, protect homes and businesses, and guide long-term capital planning.” Port Orange (B-19 Basin): “The stormwater master plan for the 10-square-mile B-19 Basin will be updated to reflect current conditions and recent development. The updated plan will focus specifically on identifying and prioritizing flood mitigation strategies.” New Smyrna Beach: “Phase II of the city’s stormwater master plan will include development of a new citywide model, floodplain mapping, and evaluation of improvement alternatives. The effort will support infrastructure upgrades and reduce flood vulnerability throughout the city.” Orange City: “Design work will begin for drainage improvements in the Mill Lake and Industrial Park basins—areas identified by the city as needing improved stormwater flow and flood protection. This design phase will advance a previously approved infrastructure and mitigation project that is part of the County’s long-term recovery plan.” Daytona Beach Lift Station Replacement Projects Lift Station 15 (301 Wilson St.): “Originally built in 1959, this wet-dry well station will be replaced with a submersible station designed to modern standards. New components will include a raised wet well, elevated electrical systems, and a permanent standby generator.” Lift Station 17 (326 Parkway St.): “Constructed in 1950 and situated in a Special Flood Hazard Area, this station will be upgraded with new submersible pumps, electrical infrastructure, and site enhancements to enhance reliability and resilience during heavy rainfall events.” Lift Station 18 (708 Madison Ave.): “Also constructed in 1950, this station will be rebuilt with new equipment positioned well above base flood elevation, including a new wet well, submersible pumps, SCADA controls, and a backup generator to prevent service interruptions during storms.” Lift Station 22 (703 N. Beach St.): “This replacement project will address vulnerabilities at a station built in 1950 near the Halifax River. The new design will feature flood-resistant components, improved pump capacity, and enhanced monitoring systems.”