This week, Miami streets have experienced significant flooding from a multi-day rainstorm which has dropped over 10 inches of rain already. In light of this news - county officials and the Army Corps of Engineers are finalizing a $2.7 billion plan to protect the city from storm surges. This comprehensive plan, under debate for half a decade, is set to be sent to Congress for approval and funding within the year.
The storm surge protection initiative focuses on three pillars: multiple lines of defense, adaptive management, and integration. Seven focus areas, chosen based on flood risk and environmental justice factors prioritizing disadvantaged communities, will see significant improvements. The plan proposes elevating approximately 2,100 homes and retrofitting around 400 commercial buildings in high-risk flood areas, including parts of Miami Beach, Little River, buildings along the Miami River west of Brickell and Downtown, North Miami, and Cutler Bay.
A noteworthy feature of the plan is the $180 million pilot program for nature-based storm surge defenses. This program aims to utilize natural barriers such as mangrove forests, reefs, and expanded wetlands to mitigate flooding, a departure from the previously proposed 20-foot seawall that faced public opposition. The approach prioritizes a layered defense strategy that integrates natural solutions with traditional infrastructure to create a more resilient cityscape.
The $2.7 billion package allocates $1.5 billion for construction, $214 million for engineering and design, $205 million for construction management, and $165 million for real estate acquisition. The Army Corps recommends spending $200 million on nonstructural solutions for commercial buildings, including floodproofing multifamily properties and identifying solutions for hospitals.
Additional provisions include flood mitigation for 27 critical infrastructure properties and ensuring all commercial structures are "dry floodproofed" to withstand up to 3 feet of inundation. The report highlights the importance of making building exteriors watertight using waterproof coatings, impermeable membranes, sealants, and shields for doors and windows.
The economic benefits of this plan are substantial. The Army Corps estimates Miami could see a $1.2 billion reduction in storm surge damage over 50 years. Without intervention, the impacted properties could face $1.7 billion in damage, whereas the proposed upgrades would reduce storm-related impacts to $518 million.
The plan is at least two years away from implementation, with pre-construction and design phases expected to start in 2026 and construction projected to be completed by 2034.
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