Soto Announces Over $13 Million in FEMA Funding for Osceola County

“Nearly a decade ago, communities in BVL and Mills Slough were devastated when Hurricane Irma flooded their neighborhoods. Just a few years later, Hurricane Ian struck again. Residents were forced from their homes as several feet of water poured in, displacing families, inundating houses, and upending lives,” said Rep. Soto. “Since then, Commissioner Janer and I have worked together to secure the resources needed to protect these communities. Today, we were proud to announce $13 million in FEMA funding for BVL flood control and traffic light hardening. This builds on $2 million in federal Community Project Funding we previously secured for flood control in the area. Osceola County has also spent an estimated $15 million to begin construction. Following the severe flooding caused by Hurricane Ian, this investment will help strengthen infrastructure and ensure these neighborhoods are better protected for years to come.”

“Osceola County is grateful to Congressman Darren Soto for his continued commitment to delivering federal resources to our community,” said Commissioner Janer. “These funds will help strengthen the ongoing efforts already underway to improve Buenaventura Lakes and surrounding areas, and I appreciate the Congressman’s partnership in supporting the residents we proudly serve together.”

• Osceola County, Buenaventura Lakes, Drainage, Phase II ($10,032,614.25)
  • Project Description: This grant will fund drainage improvements to mitigate flooding in the Buenaventura Lakes Subdivision located in Kissimmee. The proposal will improve existing stormwater collection and conveyance by constructing a new positive outfall system in the area. The project shall address the deficiencies of the drainage system, allowing increased discharges by lowering peak pond stages, substantially reducing displacement, road, and structural damages. The project shall be constructed to provide protection against a 50-year storm event.

• Osceola County, Multiple Intersections, Infrastructure Retrofit ($3,060,716.57)
  • Project Description: This grant will fund the wind protection mitigation activities for the existing traffic signals at five different intersections in Osceola County. The project proposes to provide protection by replacing the span-wire-mounted signalization with the mast arm mounting technique at all five intersections and 13 traffic control devices. The project shall allow the traffic signal to remain operational during future storms. The project shall provide protection against 150 MPH winds in accordance with FDOT standards.

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