Lee County approves nearly $4 million flood-control project

ESTERO, Fla. —

Lee County commissioners approved a nearly $4 million contract Tuesday to begin major environmental and flood-control improvements at the Kiker Preserve and Flint Pen Strand, aiming to mitigate flooding near the Estero River.

Residents near the Estero River have experienced flooding, prompting the county to take action to reduce the chances of future occurrences.

Ron Huff, a resident of Estero, expressed his relief, saying, "I'm glad they're trying to look at what's going on and how they can mitigate it."

Roland Ottolini, the Natural Resources Director, described the initiative as "one of the largest flood mitigation projects Lee County has ever endeavored." The project, first initiated after 30 inches of rainfall during Hurricane Irma in 2017, aims to address flooding in South Lee County through the Kiker Preserve and Flint Pen Strand.

Ottolini explained the project's goal: "Provide a kind of a low-level levee, low-level dam, or, and berm to temporarily hold stormwater and so that water will release at a controlled rate so that flooding doesn't occur."

This effort is expected to help areas by the Estero River, Halfway Creek, and Imperial River.

Max Royer, another Estero resident, noted, "It's not like it happens every day, right now the rivers about dry, they're running out of water."

Ottolini added, "The project is multifaceted, not only for flood protection, but during the dry season, we will have the opportunity to store more water, help restore and hydrate some of the wetlands." The project will also look to enhance water quality, protect wildlife and plants, and provide nature-based recreation.

The design and permitting for the project are expected to be completed in 2028.

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