Capital Improvements

Capital Improvement Projects

The Public Works Department's responsibilities include the implementation of drainage-related capital improvements which includes the construction of new drainage infrastructures. Projects are typically identified in Watershed Management Plans that involve engineering investigations of flooding or other drainage problems in the county. These investigations may be for understanding local drainage issues or larger flooding issues in a watershed. The investigations are sometimes conceptual designs that require additional regulatory permitting or other approvals prior to their construction implementation.

Major Drainage Structure Construction

Major Drainage Structure Construction

Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), such as displayed in the link to a video of Duck Slough BMP1A, show how the Public Works Department performs flood alleviation for county citizens. BMP1A was designed, permitted and constructed to allow the artificial lowering of wetland water levels in wetlands during times of inclement weather and anticipated flooding. The video shows that this CIP works and fulfills its design function.

Contracted Engineering, Drainage Analysis, Design & Permitting:

The Public Works Department maintains a list of qualified, pre-approved engineering providers and other professional services from which it draws expertise for larger, more complex drainage improvement projects. These providers undergo a rigorous vetting of their credentials as documented in their responses to the county's Requests for Statements of Qualifications (RSQs). Contractors are similarly used for other larger projects such as the Sea Pines Neighborhood Flood Abatement Project. This project resulted in the identification of conceptual design alternatives that could be implemented by the county as funds become available.

Capital Improvement Project for Flood Protection

Capital Improvement Project for Flood Protection

Engineering, Drainage Analysis Design & Permitting (Stormwater Staff):

Flooding investigations are also conducted by Stormwater Management Division staff who design and permit small drainage projects to correct local flooding.