LIVE OAK, FLA., MAR. 10, 2022 – An upcoming project in Dixie County is expected to help alleviate future flooding concerns.
The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board on Tuesday approved a funding amendment for a project in Cross City to reduce the potential for impacts due to flooding.
The project will include the installation of culverts under County Road 351 and Lovie Cannon Road. These culverts will allow stormwater on the east side of County Road 351 to flow to the existing stormwater ditch located on the west side of County Road 351. The existing ditch on the west side of County Road 351 drains directly to Belly Deep Creek, which is the primary drainage feature in western Cross City.
The project will improve the stormwater management system near Ruth Rains Middle School and Anderson Elementary.
"The high rainfall last year in Dixie County is a testimony for the need for these types of projects,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director of the District. “We look forward to seeing this project to completion and working with Dixie County in the years ahead on additional flood mitigation projects.”
While the project was originally funded in 2021, heavy rains during Summer 2021 delayed the project. Due to rising construction costs, additional funding was needed. The amendment approved by the Board on Tuesday will increase the contract amount to allow the county to complete the work.
The project, which will total approximately $262,000, is expected to be completed by April 2023.
Duane Cannon, Dixie County County Manager, noted this is the second phase of an ongoing project the county has with the District to assist with flood mitigation.
“This particular project will help alleviate potential flooding for the two schools and the residents in the southern and western portions around those schools; this is a great benefit for those in this area,” he said. “We are very appreciative of how responsive the staff at the District have been with any request we have – our working relationship with them has been excellent.”
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
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