Madeira Beach officials are moving forward with a project aimed at reducing chronic tidal flooding after securing $100,000 in state grant funding to help install new backflow valves throughout the city.

The city has identified 13 low-lying locations where the valves would be installed. The project is expected to cost approximately $200,000, with the state grant covering half of the total expense. One of the planned installation sites is at the intersection of 140th Avenue and Bayshore Drive.

According to Madeira Beach Public Works Director Megan Wepfer, the city has experienced increasingly significant high-tide flooding in recent months. The backflow valves are designed to prevent seawater from flowing backward through the stormwater drainage system during high tides while still allowing stormwater to drain away.

Wepfer said the city has used a similar valve design since 2017. Unlike traditional flapper-style valves, the cone-shaped design has not experienced significant barnacle buildup, allowing the city to continue using the technology. Public Works crews perform quarterly maintenance on the existing valves.

City officials said they have not identified another practical solution for addressing the recurring tidal flooding in the affected areas. Residents have reported avoiding flooded streets during high tides because of saltwater on roadways, which can damage vehicles.

The Madeira Beach City Commission is scheduled to vote on the project at its Aug. 12 meeting. If approved, the project would expand the city’s network of backflow valves to additional flood-prone locations identified by Public Works.

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