Lee County commissioners accept state grant to replace weir on Ten Mile Canal

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Lee County commissioners accepted a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to replace the aging weir structure located on the Ten Mile Canal.

The Ten Mile Canal, located east of Page Field in Fort Myers, is a big source of anxiety for residents of the Island Park area, due to the flood risk it poses, especially during hurricane season.

The project intends to address the critical flood resiliency needs that have been identified in the county. The existing weir is at the end of its life cycle and requires frequent repairs.

The county said the grant, which totals $1.3 million, will enable the outdated weir to be replaced with a motorized, remote-operable weir. This will allow the stormwater within the Ten Mile Canal to be managed proactively during storms.

The funding comes from direct state legislature appropriations. It will have no impact on the Lee County General Fund.

Work is expected to begin in 2027.

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