After repeated flooding in Harlem Heights, Lee County moves ahead with stormwater engineering

Lee County commissioners are approved a $740,000 contract for engineering work to improve stormwater drainage in the Harlem Heights community. The engineering firm will study the current drainage system and design a new stormwater plan that could include new pipes, ditches, and drains to move water out of the neighborhood more effectively. The project is part of a larger $3.8 million federal disaster recovery grant aimed at making the community more resilient after major storms. County leaders said the contract covers the design, permitting, and other engineering work needed before construction can begin. Residents of Harlem Heights have shared their experiences with flooding and expressed support for the project. "But this floods all the time when it's a lot of rain. We got some flooding here, but that one, it was devastating because there was a lot of water in here. We got like four feet water in my house," said Juan Moreno, a Harlem Heights resident. "I am happy about that because we don't need things like that anymore," Moreno added. Engineers will now begin designing the improvements. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.