The Town of Miami Lakes announced that $1.3 million in state funds has been awarded for two key water projects – a Canal Bank Stabilization Project on the northern boundary of the town, and Phase II of the West Lakes Drainage Improvements.
These budget victories are a direct result of the Mayor and Town Council working together with State Legislators to achieve these accomplishments for Miami Lakes residents.
“Knowing how crucial these two projects are to our town residents, we worked hard with our State Legislators to obtain the funds for these improvements,” said Mayor Wayne Slaton. “I want to thank the Town Council, State Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., Senator Rene Garcia, State Rep. Jose Oliva, and Miami-Dade Delegation chair Eddy Gonzalez for their efforts in securing these much-need state funds for the town. Miami Lakes is fortunate to have such dedicated public servants,” he said.
The Canal Bank Stabilization Project received $1 million and will address current deficiencies along 10,000 linear feet of canal banks, through surveying and engineering improvement designs for canal bank stabilization and landscaping. Damages to the canal banks have been cause by severe erosion and require immediate correction.
The second project earmarked $300,000 for Phase II of the West Lakes Drainage Improvements where the funds will be used to complete the drainage system retrofit and the installation of new exfiltration trenches. The West Lake community continues to be adversely impacted by flooding events, with rainwater reaching residential garages and covering streets and sidewalks.
Heavy rainfall resulted in property damage for many of the 236 homes located in the project area, and three properties have already been designated as Severe Repetitive Loss properties.
Diaz praised the teamwork of his colleagues. “I want to thank Rep. Oliva, Sen. Garcia and Delegation chair Gonzalez. As a team we were able to make sure our community’s needs were met in the state budget,” he said.
“These improvement projects are both important successes for Miami Lakes, and we will continue to bring the necessary state funding that improves our quality of life,” said Rep. Oliva.