City receives $750,000 for stormwater improvements

Ormond Beach Observer
News

The City of Port Orange will now have $750,000 to use toward stormwater improvements thanks to a check from the Florida Legislature.

The check was presented by Sen. Dorothy L. Hukill during the Tuesday, Aug. 15 city council meeting. Hukill said a budget request from the city had been put in during the last legislative session.

"We all know that during this last session you had a very special budget request," Hukill said addressing council members. "Because one of the things you have been very concerned with and working on a lot is flooding and storm water runoff."

Resolution for Port Orange's 150th anniversary

On Tuesday, Aug. 15, Sen. Hukill also presented a Senate resolution, which celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Port Orange and recognized April 26, 2017, as "Port Orange Day" in Florida.

"I know this is a very special year. This is the 150th anniversary of the founding of Port Orange," Hukill said "We actually celebrated the first anniversary of Port Orange, the 135th, when I was mayor so I believe, as you do as a council, it's important to remember our history, to learn about our history, and just not let anyone forget how wonderful this city is and why we all chose really to make Port Orange our home."

Hukill said the resolution was adopted during the April Legislative session but she had wanted to wait to present it in person before telling city officials.

"Being able to serve the citizens of Port Orange as state rep, and now as state senator. it has been my absolute privilege and one that I don't forget," Hukill said.

The Port Orange City Council had previously approved the use of $266,593 in federal grant funds to go toward the Virginia Avenue and Monroe Street Drainage Project as well as Community Development Block Grant planning and administration. The decision was made during the Tuesday, Aug. 1 city council meeting.

The goal is to improve existing storm water drainage facilities with the possibility of installing new facilities as well. According to the Oct. 16, 2015 Legislative Program from the city, the Virginia Avenue and Monroe Street corridor has been flooded during past storms.

Hukill said the stormwater drainage project will especially help with flooding in the areas between US 1 and the East Coast Railway railroad. She added that in addition to flooding, the drainage project will also benefit evacuation needs and economic development.

"I just want to thank you for all the work you have done. I know how many millions and millions of dollars Port Orange has put in the past to correct the flooding, whether it's Spruce Creek Road or it's Dunlawton," Hukill said, adding, "so I applaud you for taking the opportunity, really taking the lead, for the citizens of Port Orange."