Broward County and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) are intensifying their efforts to address rising flood risks due to sea level rise. Since fall 2022, they have collaborated on the Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Resiliency Study, initiated under the Flood Control Act of 1970. The study aims to evaluate and improve the regional flood management infrastructure that provides drainage and flood protection in the area, according to the Broward County news release.
Broward County and the SFWMD have allocated funds for a study to enhance flood resilience, with the SFWMD leading the planning. The findings will be incorporated into the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) for 2026, helping to accelerate projects that address major flood risks. "This collaborative effort reflects Broward County's commitment to secure the investments needed for mitigating flood risk and bolstering resilience for our entire community," stated Mayor Nan Rich in the Broward County news release.
The study is crucial due to significant changes in population, land use, hydrology, and sea level over the past 70 years. Under the leadership of Dr. Carolina Maran, Chief of District Resiliency, the SFWMD is evaluating its flood control systems, as the C&SF System was designed more than 70 years ago, and the study addresses the changed physical conditions impacting its original purposes.
Supported by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Statewide Office of Resilience, the study will assess infrastructure at risk and enhance the capacity of vulnerable coastal water control structures and adjacent canals. The SFWMD values these partnerships as they work to build community and ecosystem resilience.
Technical support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other federal agencies ensures that Broward County and the SFWMD's initiatives meet federal standards while tackling local flood challenges. With climate change leading to more frequent extreme weather, the county faces rising sea levels and unprecedented rainfall, making proactive measures urgent. For more information on Broward County's Resilient Environment Department, individuals can follow them on Facebook, email [email protected], or call 954-357-6663.
