HB 2321 and HB 2495 by Representative Joe Casello (D-Boynton Beach) have today passed their initial subcommittees.
HB 2321 would provide for improvements that include comprehensive repairs to primary outfall pipes and trunk mains that have approached the end of their useful life, reinforcement of the outfall bulkheads, and installation of nutrient separator baffle boxes. At present, the commercial downtown and business area and many residential neighborhoods are adversely affected by significant flooding resulting from stormwater that collects from heavy rainfall and surges of water from the “king” high tides that overflow from the Intracoastal Waterway and the C-51 Canal.
Representative Casello stated, “Like most coastal communities in south east Florida, flooding in the downtown and waterfront neighborhoods has gotten increasingly worse in the last few years and really must be addressed. Due to the documented sea level rise, the stormwater outfalls need updating and pumping retrofitting. Lake Worth Beach needs help from the State to get this project done.”
HB 2495 would provide funds to install an enhanced ADA accessible pedestrian crossing that includes LED lights, in ground and signage, as well as audible warning devices across Ocean Avenue connecting safe, independent pedestrian circulation, as part of the new Town Square project.
“This project will use state of the art accessible pedestrian crosswalk equipment that will promote pedestrian safety with an emphasis on disabled pedestrians. By enhancing this crossing, it will help alleviate pedestrian crossings at adjacent State roads,” said Representative Casello.
