Casselberry, Fla., Erosion Control
Located in central Florida, Casselberry regularly contends with hurricanes and tropical storms. A few years ago, a series of storms steadily damaged the banks of a prominent creek that drains two-thirds of the city’s land area, creating threatening conditions for many homeowners. In 2008, repairs on Gee Creek’s banks were nearly completed when Tropical Storm Fay poured 16 inches of rain in two days on the city, damaging much of the repairs and creating more erosion at five other locations. Approximately 70 homes, 15 roads, two bridges, a park and a recreation center faced imminent danger if the erosion was not controlled.
Casselberry became eligible for federal funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program when the state was declared a federal disaster area after Fay. Casselberry was one of only two cities to submit a grant application within the required 10 days of the disaster and was awarded $1.925 million to make the necessary repairs in 120 days. The city worked with the St. Johns River Water Management District to quickly obtain field authorizations for the work and used in-house staff and continuing contracts with various consultants to expedite design of the projects. The federal grant covered 75 percent of the repairs, and the city covered the rest with funds from its stormwater repairs and maintenance account.
By January 2009, Casselberry had completed all of the erosion control measures. The total cost to complete the projects was $1,519,213, of which the city was responsible for $380,000. The extensive repairs have reduced the risk of flooding and further erosion for more than 100 properties along the city’s lakes, ponds and streams.
Population: 25,000
Project: Erosion Control
Cost: $1.5 million
Date completed: January 2009
Agencies/contractors: Casselberry Public Works Department; United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; St. Johns River Water Management District; Emerald Utilities and Site Development; Erosion Stoppers; HDR Consulting Group; CDM; CPH Engineers; Southeastern Surveying & Mapping Services
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