City of Palm Bay Will Receive $300,000 in Funding Appropriation for Storm Water Improvements
By Space Coast Daily // May 28, 2021
funds will be used as a 50% cost-share to install stormwater baffle boxes
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay announced that a $300,000 funding appropriation for stormwater improvements has been approved by the Florida Legislature as part of the 2021-2022 session.
The funding appropriation will be used as a 50% cost-share to install two nutrient separating stormwater baffle boxes.
Considered a Best Management Practice by the Department of Environmental Protection, baffle boxes assist in the removal of sediment, debris, litter, and harmful nutrient contaminants including nitrogen and phosphorus from stormwater runoff.
The structures are typically positioned at stormwater outfalls to prevent damaging pollutants from entering a body of water.
Palm Bay’s two new baffle boxes will be strategically placed in locations that flow toward Turkey Creek to improve water quality within the waterway and protect the Indian River Lagoon.
On December 3, 2020, Palm Bay City Council voted unanimously to authorize the City’s State lobbying team to pursue grant funding for stormwater system improvements.
Supported by State Senator Debbie Mayfield and Representative Randy Fine, the $300,000 funding allocation will enable the City of Palm Bay to improve the City’s stormwater infrastructure and serve as a responsible steward of our local natural resources.
“We are truly grateful to our local legislators for their support of Palm Bay’s request this year,” said City Manager Suzanne Sherman.
“Installing these baffle boxes will be one of many steps that the City of Palm Bay will be taking in the coming years as we work to do our part to improve and protect our precious natural resources.”
Governor DeSantis is expected to sign the 2021-2022 budget allocations into law on or before July 1, 2021.
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