A few weeks ago, crews from Thalle Construction mobilized resources and delivered materials in preparation for beginning a flood mitigation project in the Orlo Vista community in Orange County. The work is being done adjacent to the Oak Crest Mobile Home Park and Westside Manor neighborhoods.
The total construction cost for the local flood mitigation project in Orlo Vista is $23.15 million, and the funding includes $16.71 million from FEMA through a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, $2.50 million from HUD through a Community Development Block Grant, and $3.93 million from Orange County.
The project scope of work includes excavating and reshaping three existing stormwater ponds to increase flood mitigation volume. A new 48” force main will move the water out of the area and into Shingle Creek. New pumps and pipes will also be installed to lower pond water levels, creating additional capacity prior a major rainfall event.
In 2017, torrential rain from Hurricane Irma caused significant flooding in this area and similar flooding occurred last year as Hurricane Ian brought historic levels of rain.
“This project will increase the volume capacity of all three neighboring ponds and will ultimately improve the level of service being provided to the Orlo Vista neighborhood,” said Liliana Ramirez, Assistant Project Manager, Orange County Public Works Stormwater Management Division.
Funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the House and Urban Development (HUD) has helped bring this project to fruition. Close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies is expected throughout the duration of the project.
The project team includes Orange County (owner), Geosyntec Consultants (Engineer of Record), Pegasus Engineering (Grants Consultant), Thalle Construction Co. (Contractor), and Civil/Site Engineering, Inc. (Engineering Inspections).
