In December 2017 the County Manager sent a letter of intent to request Federal assistance from USDA-Emergency Watershed Protection under the provisions of Section 216, Public Law 516, to restore damages sustained in Nassau County by Hurricane Irma at Thomas Creek. Due to rains, wind damage and the storm surge from Hurricane Irma, there is a multitude of fallen debris and trees from the storm in the creek bed which have caused sections of the creek to have blockages and reduced flow. This proposed project will go back to Phases 1 through 3 which were completed in 2010. This will now be referred to as Phase 9 of the Thomas Creek desnag project.
The County has also requested a study by the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) to evaluate Thomas Creek and the watershed to see what improvements and options are recommended to reduce the flooding of the nearby areas for a long term solution, especially the Ratliff and Lee Stoner areas. However, if the ACOE study is approved it could take 18 months and construction of the recommendations could take up to five years.
The use of USDA funding is a shorter term solution to alleviate the flooding for the residents in the near future. If the grant is awarded to the County, bidding and construction must be completed within 220 days of execution of the grant.
Under the grant, the County is required to provide a 25% match for the project at $176,250 (total cost is $705,000). This match would be provided through fund 103, Reserve for Contingencies
Attachments:
Letter of interest for Emergency Watershed Protection grant dated December 12, 2017
Letter to ACOE requesting a study dated February 12, 2018
Phase 9 Estimated Scope, Cost and Map
Thomas Creek Map of Completed Phases 1 through 8
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