POTENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENTS FOR ROAD ADAPTATION PROJECT BEING CONSIDERED

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners discussed potential assessments for the Key Largo Twin Lakes community pilot road adaptation project at its regular meeting on March 25. Commissioners directed staff to return to the April 16 commission meeting at the Marathon Government Center to discuss further recommendations for residential assessments to fund the operations and maintenance and capital costs of the project.
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The pilot project addresses persistent road flooding from heavy rainfall, storm surges, and rising sea levels. The project includes elevating 4,633 linear feet of roadway, installing a concrete gravity wall, and implementing an engineered stormwater collection system with a pump station and five injection wells. These improvements will enhance accessibility for residents, emergency services, and utilities while protecting 105 homes from future road flooding. Construction began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2026.

The project cost $21.9 million, funded by federal and state grants, and $10.8 million the county borrowed to fill the funding gap. A potential capital assessment could help the county recoup some of its local share that could be used to fund other road adaptation projects.

An operations and maintenance assessment was discussed to cover ongoing costs at approximately $2,131/parcel/year. Commissioners are also considering a capital contribution of $25,593, which is approximately 25 percent of the county’s contribution to the Twin Lakes project cost. This could be a one-time payment of $25,593 or $2,185/year for 20 years. The commission focused on an equitable cost share for residents who directly benefit from these road projects. They also discussed neighborhoods experiencing sunny day flooding, knowing there are additional demands for road elevations and drainage facilities in the future. Both assessment amounts will be discussed at the April commission meeting.

Since the county faces challenges in locating matching funds for the program, the assessments will assist in funding each neighborhood project by those who directly benefit from the work being done. The county will continue to actively pursue other funding opportunities, like grants, as well.

The program includes 97 neighborhoods recommended for a road adaptation project, with seven currently underway: Sands Subdivision on Big Pine Key, Stillwright Point and Winston Waterways on Key Largo, Conch Key, Big Coppitt, and Flagler Avenue in Key West.

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