TAMPA, Fla. -- Hillsborough County Commissioners have signed off on an ambitious set of stormwater improvement projects aimed at reducing flooding and strengthening infrastructure across the region.
The plan includes 10 projects with a total cost of $95 million, funded through a federal community block grant for disaster recovery following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
County officials said the projects will address a range of long-standing drainage challenges.
The work will focus on improving localized stormwater systems, converting outdated sewer infrastructure, restoring coastal habitats, and clearing debris from canals that carry water into Tampa Bay.
These efforts are designed not only to reduce flooding risks but also to improve the county's resilience during and after severe weather events.
One of the most significant components of the plan is the repair and replacement of culverts, underground pipes that help move water beneath roads and through drainage systems.
The county maintains roughly 1,400 miles of culverts, many of which are aging or obstructed. Officials say more than 100 culverts will be repaired or replaced as part of this initiative, with a total investment of $24 million.
Josh Bellotti, director of engineering and operations for Hillsborough County Public Works, emphasized the scale and urgency of the work.
"There's a lot of these pipes around the county and they are in varying levels of age and condition," Bellotti said. "We conduct routine inspections and risk assessments to determine which are most at risk of failing. As they age, deterioration can lead to potential collapse."
The culvert improvements are expected to take several years to complete.
In addition to culvert repairs, the remaining $70 million will fund a variety of drainage improvements in specific areas. These include projects along 76th Street in Palm River and Pettie Road in Dover, both of which have experienced recurring flooding issues.
The most expensive single project in the plan will take place in Ruskin, with a $30 million overhaul of that community's sewer system.
The project will convert the existing low-pressure system into a centralized vacuum sewer collection system. Plans include building a new lift station and installing pressurized sewer pipes.
County officials say the upgrade will significantly reduce the risk of sewer overflows during heavy rain and flood events -- an issue that has plagued the area in the past.
Officials say the full suite of projects represents a long-term investment in the county's infrastructure, with the goal of better protecting homes, businesses, and the environment from future storms.
As climate pressures and population growth continue to strain existing systems, leaders say proactive improvements like these are essential to keeping communities safe and functional.