A long-planned flood relief project in the city of Tarpon Springs moved forward after the commission approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Emergency Management in December.

The agreement allows the city to accept $31,000 for the design phase of the Sponge Docks Flood Abatement Project, which aims to reduce flooding in the area.

According to city officials, the project would involve installing an underground vault to collect floodwater through a series of pipes, with a water pump station to discharge it. The city is also considering rebuilding seawalls.

Vice Mayor Mike Eisner said the project cost has increased from approximately $1 million to $5 million over the years. Two areas near Athens Street regularly flood during rain events, he noted, with passing vehicles creating wakes that worsen conditions.

The city plans to schedule construction during the least busy times and is seeking smaller pumps to minimize closure time on Dodecanese Boulevard. Project engineers are still finalizing the design.

City officials estimate the project will take six to eight months to complete once construction begins.

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