Bonita Springs, FL -
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) this week began clearing trees and other debris downed by Hurricane Irma from two Bonita Springs waterways in Lee County.
"The District continues to work with local officials to help this area hit hard by Hurricane Irma recover," said SFWMD Governing Board Member Rick Barber. "We talked with Bonita Springs officials and asked what is the most impacted area where we can lend our resources. They clearly stated that our crews could make a difference in helping to control downed trees along their natural waterways. In the spirit of partnership, we are performing
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Click on the image to see a larger version showing one of the downed trees that will be cleared from the Imperial River in Bonita Springs. |
the crucial task of clearing vegetation that could impede flows in the river. This work is critical to ensuring neighborhoods in Bonita Springs will be ready for the next heavy rainfall event."
Contractors working on barges will spend the next five weeks clearing downed trees and debris from bank to bank along an approximately 1-mile section of the Imperial River in Bonita Springs from Old U.S. Highway 41 east to Matheson Drive. Crews will work through the holidays to get the job done faster.
The District will also award a contract to clear obstructions in the Imperial River from Interstate 75 to Bonita Grand Drive. That work is
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Click on the map to see a larger version showing the second phase of Imperial River canal debris clearing expected to begin in January. |
expected to be performed in January. The District also plans to clear debris from a major tributary of the Imperial River, Oak Creek, from the river to Old U.S. Highway 41.
SFWMD installed numerous temporary pumps in Lee and Collier counties after Hurricane Irma to help lower water levels as quickly as possible. The District has also worked with local officials in both counties to provide technical expertise to municipalities and drainage districts in an effort to improve their local flood control systems.
