A cooperative project between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City of Lake Wales will reduce flooding near Twin Lakes.
During 2004 and 2005, the water levels within Twin Lakes rose significantly and caused flooding in several apartments located east of the lakes. Some of the apartments flooded more than once.
According to computer modeling, the 100-year/five-day storm event flood elevations for the lakes would be more the 14 inches higher than the levels reached in 2004-2005. Under these conditions, many more apartments would also experience flooding and water levels would be within two feet of State Road 60, which is an evacuation route. In addition, it is anticipated that at least 100 feet of Grove Avenue would be flooded with up to 18 inches of water.
This multi-year project involves the design and construction of a high-capacity pumping station to divert excess water from Twin Lakes to Lake Altamaha. The water from Lake Altamaha would be discharged into Peace Creek through an existing outfall.
In addition to the 23-cubic-feet-per-second pumping station and force main, the project also involves constructing a channel or pipe connection between the east and west sections of Twin Lakes.
This project is part of the Lake Wales Watershed Management Plan, which was funded by the District and Lake Wales. The Twin Lakes watershed covers approximately 0.6 square miles within the city.
This $600,000, multi-year project is being funded by the District’s Peace River Basin Board and the city. The Basin Board has approved $150,000 for this year. The remaining $150,000 is contingent upon Basin Board approval.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2008 and should be completed within a year.