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Dec. 22, 2017

SFWMD's Big Cypress Basin Breaks Ground on Flood Control Project for Collier County
Weir replacement will improve flood protection
in Golden Gate Estates neighborhood
SFWMD Big Cypress Basin Board Members (from left: Daniel Waters, Chairman Rick Barber, Vice Chairwoman Marielle Kitchener, David Weston and Ralph Haskins) broke ground on the replacement of Golden Gate Weir No. 4 in the Golden Gate Estates area of Collier County on Monday. Click on the image for a larger version.

Naples, FL - This week, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) broke ground on a Governing Board-approved weir replacement project that will enhance the Big Cypress Basin's ability to store and release water. The Golden Gate Weir No. 4 replacement project is part of the Basin's ongoing effort to protect families and properties from flooding in the Golden Gate Estates neighborhood of Collier County.
 
"As we saw after Hurricane Irma, being able to act rapidly and adjust our flood control system to
BCB Board Chairman and SFWMD Governing Board Member Rick Barber at the groundbreaking for the new Golden Gate Weir No. 4. Click on the image for a larger version.
changing situations is critical to managing water and protecting the residents of the Big Cypress Basin," said Basin Board Chairman and SFWMD Governing Board Member Rick Barber. "This installation will significantly aid our response to heavy rainfall events."
 
The $4.7 million project will replace a manually operated fixed-crest weir with an automated weir that can be operated remotely. The new structure will improve response times when water needs to be released for flood control, such as occurred during and after Hurricane Irma. Additionally, the Basin will be able to set the gates higher than the old structure, allowing more water to be held back for water supply during the dry season.

Media Contact: 
Randy Smith |   rrsmith@sfwmd.gov    |  Cell: (561)-682-6197 | Cell: 561-389-3386
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. Our mission is to protect South Florida's water resources by balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems.

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