APOPKA, Fla. – The city of Apopka is seeking millions of dollars in grant funding from the state to alleviate flooding problems around the Piedmont chain of lakes.
On Wednesday, the city council will vote to authorize the execution of a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The funding would further work on the Wekiva Springs Region Aquifer Recharge and Flood Protection Project.
[City commission approved a plan earlier this year to alleviate flooding. Check out the recap]
The project was approved in March after excessive rainfall from Hurricane Milton led to water overflowing in a shopping center, townhome community, nearby neighborhood and onto Piedmont Parkway, which connects the city to State Road 436.
According to the city, there are several lakes in the project that have a history of flooding and impacting roadways, businesses, and residences during severe storms.
If the grant funding is approved, work would begin on the project to reduce reliance on two drainage wells that serve Lake Page and Lake Pleasant.
The city said stormwater removed from the lakes would be added to the city’s reclaimed water treatment and distribution network.
Jack Berrell’s home was flooded during Hurricane Milton, and he said he was hopeful to hear about the city’s plan to improve drainage in the area.
“Being right here and just starting hurricane season, I’ve got optimism that it’s not going to be able to encroach my property,” Berrell said.
The city council will vote on the grant during its meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m.