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Jan. 16, 2018
SFWMD Recognizes Diverse Group of Men and Women as 2017 Team of the Year
Team's preemptive flood protection work along the C-100A Canal
will protect South Miami-Dade County families and businesses
while saving taxpayers' money
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| The C-100A Canal Obstruction Removal Project Team was recognized by the SFWMD Governing Board as the 2017 Team of the Year. Top row left to right: Matthew Alexander, Lenora Cilli, Bill Eldridge, and John Hixenbaugh. Bottom row left to right: Steve Fairtrace, Marcy Zehnder, Jesus Carrasco and Armando Villaboy. Not pictured: Bill Wilkins. Click on the image for a larger version. |
West Palm Beach, FL
- The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board recognized the C-100A Obstruction Removal Project Team as its 2017 Team of the Year. The project team's work focused on clearing overgrown vegetation along a 7-mile stretch of the C-100A Canal in the Village of Pinecrest and Village of Palmetto Bay. Overgrown vegetation poses a significant threat during and after major weather events, when trees could fall into the canals and impede SFWMD flood protection operations.
"This team met and worked hand-in-hand with residents to identify which trees had to be removed due to their risk of falling and obstructing the flow of flood waters, as well as
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Fallen trees blocking canals after Hurricane Andrew contributed to flooding in Miami-Dade County in 1992. Click on the image to see a larger version. |
which trees could remain within the SFWMD's right-of-way," said SFWMD Executive Director Ernie Marks. "This personal touch was key in finishing a project that will protect Miami-Dade families, homes and businesses during the next extreme rainfall event."
Trees or branches that fall into canals can prevent water from draining away from properties, putting homes and families at risk of flooding. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, tree limbs blocked numerous canals in Miami-Dade County and contributed to widespread flooding. After Hurricane Wilma in 2005, taxpayers were burdened with a $600,000 bill to clear debris from this same 7-mile stretch of C-100A to restore its flood protection capacity. The taxpayer cost of removing trees before they fall into canals is much less than the high costs of clearing debris after it has already obstructed the flow of water.
"Approximately 100,000 residents rely on this canal for flood protection,"
said SFWMD Governing Board Member Federico Fernandez. "The C-100A Canal has been a crucial part of the region's flood control system for more than 50 years. I am proud of our SFWMD team for working diligently to clear canal banks of any debris or vegetation that can fall into the water during a weather event and compromise the system."
The members of the SFWMD C-100A Canal Obstruction Removal Team include:
- Matthew Alexander, Section Leader
- Jesus Carrasco, Bureau Chief
- Leonora Cilli, Administrative Assistant
- Bill Eldridge, Crew Chief
- Steve Fairtrace, Senior Scientist
- John Hixenbaugh, Section Administrator
- Armando Villaboy, Regional Representative
- Bill Wilkins, Crew Chief
- Marcy Zehnder, Section Administrator
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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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