Public Works Engineers Highlight Stormwater Infrastructure Improvement

WHAT:
The City of Orlando’s Public Works Department invites media partners to a demonstration highlighting ongoing stormwater management efforts on Tuesday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. At the event, staff will use a high-pressure vacuum truck to demonstrate how dislodging and flushing debris can help to prevent flooding like that experienced by the Washington Shores neighborhood following Hurricane Ian. Media will have an opportunity to capture visuals of the work crews do every day and speak with Public Works project managers and engineers about the proposed stormwater utility fee adjustment. Key benefits of the stormwater utility fee adjustment include:

• Flood Prevention: Maintaining and enhancing stormwater infrastructure can help manage runoff during heavy rainfall, minimizing the risk of flooding in city neighborhoods.
• Pollution Reduction: Proper stormwater management helps to reduce the amount of pollutants entering city waterways.
• Improved Water Quality: Investing in stormwater systems ensures that city lakes, canal and retention ponds remain clean, benefiting both wildlife and recreational activities.

Since the stormwater utility fee was last adjusted in 2008, the community has experienced tremendous growth, unprecedented rainfall and historic flooding due to hurricanes and storms, which places a significant demand on the city’s stormwater infrastructure.For more information on the stormwater utility fee adjustment visit orlando.gov/utilityfee.

Washington Shores Neighborhood

Corner of Roseboro Street and Bruton Boulevard

Media planning to attend the event should RSVP by contacting Doug Richards at Doug.Richards@orlando.gov.