TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr. County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Eric Charest, Assistant Natural Resources Director
DATE: July 31, 2025
SUBJECT: Indian River County Stormwater Management Plan
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
On March 19, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved Work Order No. 1 under the Continuing Contract Agreement for Continuing Engineering Services with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to assist the County in developing the Indian River County Stormwater Management Plan (SMP). Since that time, ESA has worked with County staff from various Departments, as well as solicited input from neighboring municipalities and other stakeholders through Public Outreach events, to collect information necessary to develop a long-term strategy to manage stormwater, reduce flooding risks, and protect water quality prior to discharge into the Indian River Lagoon.
ANALYSIS
The Stormwater Management Plan is a comprehensive roadmap outlining the priorities, objectives, and implementation strategies of the Indian River County Stormwater Division. The SMP provides a long-term framework for addressing stormwater-related challenges across the County, with a focus on improving water quality, mitigating flooding, maintaining infrastructure, complying with regulatory mandates, and supporting resilient community development.
This SMP includes key components such as:
• Central Indian River Lagoon BMAP Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reduction estimations
• Stormwater infrastructure asset assessment
• Flood risk reduction strategies
• Municipality coordination and partnership development
• Grant and capital improvement funding strategies
ESA prepared the SMP in a manner that provides an evaluation and prioritization of potential stormwater projects. The Stormwater Management Plan provides:
• A summary of current conditions and challenges
• Prioritized project list addressing water quality, resiliency, and flood mitigation
• Cost-benefit analysis of proposed projects
• Public outreach results and stakeholder feedback
• Alignment with state and federal regulatory programs such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), BMAP and Community Rating System (CRS)
The SMP further categorizes projects using a scoring matrix based on lagoon benefit (BMAP), flood reduction potential, cost-efficiency, community impact, land/easement acquisition, and CRS credit potential. This SMP will be used to assist the County in obtaining future funding and grants as well as provide a cost-benefit analysis of future projects so that the County’s funds can be used in the most economical manner.
Comments received on the draft SMP during the public comment period were reviewed by the project team and will be considered as the projects move into the design and implementation phases.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
The Management plan was funded by the professional water resource engineering support services which is budgeted and available in Natural Resources/Stormwater/Stormwater Master Plan, Account No. 31523137-066510-23031. The plans rank projects based on the criteria identified above and any future Capital Improvement Projects identified in the SMP will be brought before the BCC for consideration.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Agenda 24-139 - Work Order No 1 to retain the professional services of Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to assist the County in preparing a Stormwater Management Plan.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Acceptance of a future FDEP Grant Agreements
Award of Bid for future capital improvement projects outlined in the Management Plan
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment, Infrastructure
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Stormwater Management Plan aligns with the implementation for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Central Indian River Lagoon BMAP and FEMA requirements for further CRS accreditation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommend the BCC approve the Indian River County Stormwater Management Plan and authorize staff to proceed with implementation phases and seek additional funding.