DELTONA, Fla. – Deltona city commissioners are expected to vote Monday night on a proposal that could bring long-term relief to neighborhoods where flooding has been a recurring problem.
The focus is on two major roads, Catalina Boulevard and Elkcam Boulevard, which have a history of going underwater after hurricanes and heavy storms. City leaders say the solution is to raise the roadways higher above flood stage.
For residents like Amanda Cloud, a mother of five, the issue has been more than just an inconvenience.
“During every hurricane we’ve been part of, it’s very frustrating and overwhelming to try to find alternate routes for months and months at a time while the water subsides,” Cloud said. “It’s very difficult and challenging and just inconvenient, especially when you have small children and you need to go to work on time.”
Commissioners are expected to approve a $2 million agreement with Pegasus Engineering to manage a FEMA grant for the project. Plans call for raising Elkcam Boulevard by at least two feet. The stretch sits between two lakes, making it one of the most flood-prone areas in the city. A similar fix is proposed for Catalina Boulevard, just a couple of miles away.
“We’re starting with the engineering and design phase,” Vice Mayor and District 1 Commissioner Davison Heriot said. “Once that’s complete, we can move into construction and really address this problem long-term.”
If approved, work could begin as early as October.
The vote is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at Deltona City Hall.