Pensacola Drainage Project Set for mid-August Completion

The City of Pensacola is set to complete a $741,390 storm water drainage project in mid-August. Local officials and residents near the Fricker Community Center anticipate that the undertaking will ease their flooding woes.

The project, which is being funded by Pensacola's Community Development Block Grant and the Florida Disaster Recover Grant programs, involves street reconstruction and sidewalk improvements along DeSoto and Strong Streets, said city engineer L. Derek Owens.

Standing water has been a major concern in the area, especially after significant rainfall. This storm water project is one of several plans the city has initiated over the past several months to improve neighborhood drainage systems.

In February, the Pensacola City Council approved a contract with Freeport-based Tindle Enterprise Inc. to improve the area's storm water retention system. Work has included increasing the size of existing storm water pipes and installing storm drain inlets and an underground storage vault, said Owens.

"The goal here is to help alleviate the serious flooding issues that this area has experienced for quite some time," he said. "When completed, this project is going to make a significant difference in the area."

Source: Pensacola News Journal