On March 27, 2023, at the request of Commissioner Richardson, the City Commission referred a discussion to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (R9 S, R9 T, C7 AD) regarding accelerating a portion of the funding related to improving the water quality within Park View Canal.

The Final Assessment of Water Quality Report by the University of Miami was presented at the March 27^th City Commission meeting (Attachments). In light of the Assessment of Water Quality report, staff developed an action plan that combines the study recommendations with actions that include both funded and unfunded items. The City Commission have requested that the following items be discussed to accelerate and prioritize funding prior to the FY24 budget process:

• Retrofit existing gravity stormwater system with water quality treatment devices within the vicinity of the canal such as bar racks to prevent litter from entering the waterway. The estimated cost for this is $2.2 million, with $200K for design and permitting and $2M for construction upon completion. None of this is currently funded however, the $200K for design is included in the Public Works enhancement request for FY23-24.

•  Dredge the waterway to improve flushing and remove contaminated sediment within the canal. The Environment & Sustainability Department currently has $500K in funding to complete initial surveys required for dredging permits (bathymetric and geotechnical), but funding would need to be identified to complete design, permitting, and completion of a dredging project. Dredging of the canal is estimated to cost $2 million.

• Fund additional sampling and a follow-up study by the University of Miami to further analyze the potential contributions of the sanitary sewer system.  A proposal is pending regarding estimated costs.

The Administration recommends implementing the action plan to address the serious and ongoing water quality concerns in Park View Canal through the budget process and applying for grants to include short, medium, and long-term solutions.

As discussed in the FY 2023 Capital Budget process, it is important to note that the City’s five-year capital improvement plan has significants needs.