JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 10, 2011) – In concert with Manatee County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the Cedar Hammock-Wares Creek Project. The event will be held on Monday, November 14 at 10 a.m., at the Old City Hall site located at the corner of Manatee Ave. and 15th St. West.
“This ceremony will provide the community with an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of this long awaited project to reduce annual flooding and improve the quality of life for area residents who have experienced significant hardship,” said U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, FL-13.
This project will reduce flood risks and related issues within the Cedar Hammock-Wares Creek basin in Manatee County, Fla. Currently the drainage channels in the project area are inadequate to carry runoff from a five-year-frequency rainfall. The new plan will provide a 10-year level of protection.
“Folks have been waiting a long time to see this day come,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who supported funding for the project. “Thankfully, we’re going to finally start removing the muck and lessening the flood risk for area residents.”
Phase I work consists of dredging approximately 37,000 cubic yards of sand between 9th Avenue Bridge and Manatee Avenue Bridge. Dredged material will be dewatered at the Old City Hall site and transported by truck to the Lena Rd. landfill for final disposal.
“Successful projects are a result of great partnerships,” said Col. Al Pantano, the Corps’ Jacksonville District commander. “The Wares Creek project exemplifies how a true partnering spirit can ensure great success. We have been very pleased to join with Manatee County to make this project a reality.”
The contractor will prepare the site for construction in early November, and dredging is anticipated to begin later in the month. The work will take place for 240 days.
Release no. 11-57