The Southwest Florida Management District recently signed an agreement with the City of Venice to participate on a project that will help reduce flooding associated with heavy rains in the Hatchett Creek watershed.
The Hatchett Creek basin spans approximately 5.2 square miles in Sarasota County and includes the Eastgate area. During heavy rains, stormwater runoff leads to street flooding and threatens to enter residential structures.
The project will alleviate standing water and improve drainage from the areas near Hatchett Creek by widening swales and providing additional stormwater storage through the construction of a stormwater treatment pond at Eastgate Park. This is expected to improve water quality by increasing the amount of time runoff stays in the new storage pond.
This project is estimated to cost up to $240,000, which includes the design, development, permitting and construction. The District’s Manasota Basin Board is contributing up to $55,000. Venice will contribute $120,000 and is seeking additional grant funding to offset its share.
The project is expected to be complete by March 31, 2010.