In hopes of lessening the flooding effects to Ingleside Park, the town is proposing a Drainage Improvement Project. If adopted, the project will enhance drainage through the drainage basin and create sufficient storage capacity to help lessen the flooding effects that result from moderate to heavy rainfalls during high-tide cycles.
The project will include installation of the following elements: subsurface drainage infrastructure, a two-million-gallon underground storm water storage tank, and a subsurface pump and force main that will direct water to a new outfall at Donovan Beach. The new outfall will replace an existing undersized outfall and will consist of two 36-inch diameter pipes. The project will also replace an existing, malfunctioning tide gate with a new tide gate.
“Enhanced drainage associated with Ingleside Park will improve the quality of life for all residents that live near the park,†said Town Manager, Austin Faison. “This project will allow the Town to alleviate areas where water can settle during high tide and will help to protect properties from flooding. We will continue to work through the feasibility, design, and permitting processes.â€
While the project is still in the feasibility phase, use of an MVP Action grant allowed for a design feasibility study, which resulted in data that can be utilized to start the process of engineering and permitting, two components that will likely take a year to complete once funded. To help fund the engineering cost, another action grant application was submitted and the Town is awaiting a response.
After the engineering portion of the project is completed, the Town will have to identify a means to fund the construction, and the goal is to seek out some of the many grant opportunities available. Once funding is solidified, the project will require a public bid and award, followed by an estimated year-long construction schedule. Depending on what month of the year the construction commences, two construction seasons may come into play.
Because all proposed drainage and storage improvements are sub-grade, the public will witness few changes to the current topography or existing conditions and the hired contractor will prioritize public safety by fencing off work zones. Depending on where the work is being performed, there may be times where access is briefly affected, however; it will be fully restored at the completion of the work.