UPDATE: Tampa City Council members are set to vote today on a crucial flood relief project that could reshape stormwater management in the city. The decision, taking place later today, will determine if the city advances to the next phase of the South Howard flood relief project, which aims to tackle chronic flooding issues affecting South Howard, Swann Avenue, and adjacent neighborhoods.
City officials, including Brandon Campbell, Tampa’s interim mobility director, emphasize the dire need for improved infrastructure. “We know that there’s insufficient, inadequate infrastructure for stormwater in many areas across the city. South Howard itself has been studied and under consideration for over ten years,” Campbell stated.
The proposed plan includes the installation of a massive box culvert, a significant engineering element designed to alleviate flooding. Funding discussions today will focus on the design-build segment of the project, estimated at $4 million. The initial phase will involve essential works such as repaving and waterline replacement in the eastern and western sides of South Howard.
However, the project has sparked controversy among local business owners and residents. Steve Michelini, a representative from the SoHo business alliance, voiced strong concerns, stating, “The impact is like death by a thousand cuts. If you want to turn South Howard into a graveyard, keep going. Keep it up. Because the businesses will not survive.”
Residents have echoed Michelini’s concerns, urging the city to consider less disruptive alternatives. Anneliese Meier, a South Tampa resident, argued, “The drains need to be cleaned every year. It just should be on a schedule. If we kept up on that, it would cost us far less than the $100 million plus they are proposing.”
Should the council approve the project today, construction is slated to commence in 2024, with sections of SoHo potentially facing months of closures. As the vote approaches, the community watches closely, weighing the potential benefits against the economic impact on local businesses.
Stay informed on the latest developments regarding this urgent flooding relief project. Visit shstormwater.com for more information.
