Madeira Beach studies stormwater needs

By Wayne Ayers

MADEIRA BEACH – As many residents who have dealt with flooded streets and properties long suspected, the city of Madeira Beach’s aged stormwater infrastructure is in a dire condition.

A just released study presented at the Feb. 26 City Commission meeting shows key areas of the city subject to major flooding due to factors that include clogged and inadequate pipes and a lack of control devices.

The recommended solutions to solve most of the problems would cost between $13 million and $20 million, depending on their level of sophistication. City Manager Shane Crawford said incremental fixes costing much less can be implemented, allowing the city to undertake the more costly long-term upgrades over a period of years.

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