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Aerial view of Jacksonville beach, golf course, and residential area.Aerial view of Jacksonville beach, golf course, and residential area.

Jacksonville’s comprehensive flood plan

One of the nation’s first comprehensive stormwater master plans integrates green infrastructure and advanced modeling across 800 square miles in Jacksonville, Florida.

Client

City of Jacksonville

Location

Jacksonville, Florida

Connect with an expert

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Michael Schmidt PE, BCEE, D.WRE
Water Resource Infrastructure & Resiliency Practice Leader

Master planning for flood control, water quality and long-term system resilience

Jacksonville’s location poses significant flood risk and water quality challenges. To combat the threats, the city developed a comprehensive master stormwater management plan, integrating USEPA stormwater management models for 64 sub-basins, establishing monitoring networks and prioritizing natural systems.

USEPA-standard hydrologic modeling

Comprehensive modeling enables the city to evaluate flooding scenarios, prioritize interventions and design effective solutions.

Cost-effective green infrastructure

“Green” systems (swales, wetland restoration and stormwater harvesting) reduce costs compared to gray methods.

FEMA map modernization leadership

Digital flood insurance rate maps now reflect current topography and up-to-date riverine and coastal flooding hazards.

Sustainable funding framework

A dedicated stormwater utility was established to generate revenue needed to maintain the stormwater system.

By proactively preparing for its water resource challenges, Jack­sonville has become one of the nation’s leading examples of effectively creating resiliency.

“Jack­sonville’s holistic approach has helped the city pay for needed improve­ments, manage risk and create valuable oppor­tu­ni­ties to enhance quality of life,” says Mike Schmidt, water resources practice leader and a Jack­sonville resident. “Not only have we been able to address the city’s current challenges, we’ve also been able to create the capacity for Jack­sonville’s continued growth in the years to come.”

Curious to learn more?

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.

Person in a white shirt and blue tie stands indoors with plants in the background.

Michael Schmidt

Water Resources Engineer

Mike has experience in planning, modeling, permitting, design, climate resiliency and public outreach for watersheds, stormwater, green infrastructure, coasts and ecosystems.

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