PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A flood relief project in the works for years in Tarpon Springs recently took another step forward.
The city commission approved an agreement in December with the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
It allows the city to accept $31,000 for the design phase of the Sponge Docks Flood Abatement Project.
It would help relieve flooding more quickly, according to city officials.
Vice Mayor Mike Eisner said the city has been exploring ways to combat the flooding, especially at the Sponge Docks. They are considering installing what is called a “vault” underground that would collect floodwater through a series of pipes and a water pump station would then push it out. The city is also looking at rebuilding seawalls as well.
Eisner said the cost of the project increased through the years from about $1 million to $5 million. He said some details still need to be worked out.
“We also have to try to schedule it to where it’s the least-busiest time,” he said. “We have two areas off of Athens (Street) that usually flood on every single type of rain.
“Then, we have people driving by and they’re always giving wakes from their cars and, yes, it’s not a good situation.”
The city would also like to see smaller pumps so Dodecanese Boulevard isn’t closed for too long.
Eisner said project engineers are still designing a plan.
City officials expect the project to take around six to eight months to complete.