A problem that won’t fix itself: Infrastructure

During my time as Mayor, we’ve seen progress in Fort Lauderdale in many wonderful ways. I’m just so proud of the work we’ve done together to keep Fort Lauderdale a beautiful place to live.

Here in South Florida, we need to be thinking ahead about the best ways to protect ourselves from flooding and infrastructure issues that have increased in recent years.

These challenges won’t fix themselves. That’s why I’ve made them top priorities, and why I stopped diversion of dedicated infrastructure funding that caused problems for which we now have to fast-track long-term solutions.

We are strengthening the city’s stormwater and flood prevention systems citywide with our cutting-edge $500 million investment in Fortify Lauderdale.

We are installing hundreds of tidal-control valves, modern drainage pipes, new outfall connections, catch basins and swales. And to make sure we never fall behind again, we are GIS mapping thousands of water distribution valves, so crews know exactly where and when to test and maintain these critical infrastructure links.

We updated the computerized modeling of our entire water system, which will improve and maintain system pressure and flows.

Just weeks ago, we broke ground on a new, high-technology water treatment plant to meet city needs for clean, clear water — for now and well into the future. And as your Mayor, I secured additional capacity in the regional water reservoir to ensure we all have the backup water supply we need going forward.

We didn’t stop there. I am leading the fight for new downtown pump station technology for increased capacity and resiliency. We have also replaced more than 24 miles of water distribution pipes and 16 miles of wastewater force mains.

And that new seven-mile long main central sewer collector pipe? We got it done under budget and in record time through the unique use of two contractors working on separate ends of this necessary project.

Just imagine how much more we can do together.

Thank you for your support!

– Dean