Update 10/18/18:
LWDD Public Information Workshop
The City of Boca Raton will host a public workshop to discuss the Lake Worth Drainage District L-50 canal rehabilitation program on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Boca Raton Community Center in the Silver Palm Room (150 NW Crawford Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432).
TOPIC: L-50 Canal from approx. 150 ft. West of the CSX Railroad tracks to Walnut Terrace.
For interested parties:
- program information
- schedule
- ask questions
Representatives from the City of Boca Raton and Lake Worth Drainage District will be in attendance.
The District has posted a four-minute video regarding the overall Canal Rehabilitation Program at https://youtu.be/WX64Dp1BRaU and additional information is available at the District’s website www.lwdd.net at the “In Your Neighborhood” tab. You may also email the District at info@lwdd.net.
For more information about the L-50 project visit www.lwdd.net
For more information about the workshop meeting email: communications@myboca.us
View the Public Workshop with LWDD Flyer 10.25.2018 (PDF)
__________________________________
Update 8/24/18:
As part of its flood control mission, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will be removing all trees within its right-of-way along both the north and south sides of the C-15 Canal between South Dixie Highway and Interstate 95. The project is scheduled to begin October 1, 2018 and the District will notify affected residents by certified mail. All inquiries should be directed to the SFWMD 1-561-686-8800 or www.sfwmd.gov
C-15 Tree Removal Project Map (PDF)
C-15 Legal Text on ROW
C-15 Tree Removal - 4th Notice (PDF)
July 2018: Lake Worth Drainage District Postpones Selected Projects
At a meeting of the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 11, 2018, Mayor Singer presented the City’s request, on behalf of the affected residents, that LWDD hold off on ANY further clearing until staff from the City and LWDD can cooperatively explore more “global” solutions to the issues affecting City residents adjacent to the L-48, L-49 and L-50 canals.
LWDD agreed to suspend any further clearing on the L-48, L-49 and L-50 canals until the LWDD Board meeting on October 17, 2018. During the next several months, staff will analyze and evaluate possible options that may include a higher level of maintenance provided by the City and/or negotiated agreements with homeowners to allow certain types of approved landscaping that do not interfere with LWDD access. There may be additional options as discussions with District staff move forward, but the final policy decision on direction in this matter would be up to City Council and will likely require the concurrence of the LWDD Board.
In the meantime, the District will be moving forward with the following necessary canal work.
L-48 Canal:
- Removal of stacked vegetation that was previously cut from right-of-way
- Stump grinding vegetation previously cut along the south bank
- Dredging silt from a portion of the channel adjacent to I-95
- Excavation of shoaling east of Southwest 9th Avenue as may be necessary
L-49 Canal:
- Placement of erosion control mats (jute fiber) along the top of canal banks west of 12th Avenue
- Stump grinding of rubber tree previously removed west of Southwest 9th Avenue
L-50 Canal:
- Inspection of outfall pipe located west of Southwest 8th Avenue, and remedial work of such as may be necessary
- Removal of shoaling between 9th and 12th Avenues
Due to the threat of tropical weather events during this time of year, residents are encouraged to trim trees and vegetation, as may be practical, that may impact drainage canals.
Information on sustainable tree maintenance and trimming can be found on the City's website.
History of Canal Maintenance Projects:
As part of its flood control mission, the South Florida Water Management District began a tree removal project to clear its right of way along both the north and south sides of the C-15 Canal between South Dixie Highway and Interstate 95. The project began in May of 2018, and affected about 75 homes. Residents who were affected received information directly from the districts which caused concern for residents.
The Lake Worth Drainage District also has several canal maintenance projects affecting City residents. City staff and elected officials worked closely with the districts to mitigate full clearings by preserving native trees where possible. Staff and officials held several meetings to encourage compromises in clearing easements, and continued to advocate for residents through the process.
Both LWDD and SFWMD provide flood control but differ in size and responsibilities. SFWMD is one of our state’s five regional water management districts and oversees the water resources in the southern half of Florida, covering 16 counties from Orlando to the Florida Keys. LWDD is a local, independent special taxing district encompassing approximately 200 square miles in southeastern Palm Beach County.
Flood control in South Florida is an integrated system consisting of primary canals operated by SFWMD, secondary canals operated and maintained by the LWDD, and tertiary neighborhood drainage systems owned, operated and maintained by residential associations. LWDD and SFWMD work closely together to provide flood control for our residents. When necessary, LWDD discharges excess stormwater into the regional flood control system or primary system operated by the SFWMD.
The City of Boca Raton is committed to providing access to all individuals seeking information on its website. Video content with closed captioning is available upon request by calling the City Clerk’s office 561-393-7742 or completing this form.
