South Florida flooding safeguards targeted for $2M review

Systems and infrastructure protecting South Florida homes and drinking water are getting a thorough examination.

State lawmakers approved $2 million appropriation in the 2022-23 budget for a comprehensive review of flooding safeguards by the South Florida Water Management District, including a list of existing and potentially vulnerable structures, future costs and recommendations.

Reps. Robin Bartleman and Demi Busatta Cabrera and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez requested funding of the much-needed study.

Bartleman told Florida Politics some of the area’s flood-protection gates are within six inches of design failure.

“We need to make sure we’re protected and we don’t flood,” she said.

– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics