Manatee County commissioners approved more than $100 million in federal disaster recovery funding for 22 infrastructure projects Wednesday, Oct. 7, advancing efforts to address flooding, aging drainage systems and storm damage across the county.

The funding is part of a $252.7 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery allocation, with up to $125 million designated for the county's Infrastructure Recovery and Resiliency Program. The initiative aims to strengthen public infrastructure following Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

Although the projects span Manatee County, officials have not identified a specific Lakewood Ranch project among the approved improvements.

Largest projects target recurring flooding

The largest allocation, $24.9 million, will fund automated outfall structures at Pearce Drain. County Commission Chairman Tal Siddique said the improvements could help reduce recurring flooding in the Center Lake community, according to ABC7.

The second-largest project, Bowlees Creek Automated Outfall Structures, received $19.1 million.

Other major allocations include $11.3 million for Meadors Subdivision/Pennsylvania stormwater improvements, $8 million for Sylvan Oaks stormwater improvements and $6.5 million for the Cortez Road storm revetment.

Bradenton received approximately $14.2 million for five projects, including $3.65 million each for Second Avenue drainage improvements and Crescent Court drainage improvements.

Five other municipalities received funding: Palmetto, $3.6 million for wastewater treatment plant expansion; Holmes Beach, $810,750; Longboat Key, $681,500; Anna Maria, $270,250; and Bradenton Beach, $246,750.

The allocations also cover emergency medical services facility improvements, backup generators, shoreline protection and wastewater infrastructure, according to Manatee County's official project announcement.

Officials warn more investment is needed

Siddique said the county has spent more than $10 million over the past year clearing stormwater systems in preparation for heavy rainfall. He estimated that hundreds of millions of dollars in additional improvements are still needed.

"We're experiencing even more severe storms and even flood events year after year," Siddique said, citing aging infrastructure and worsening storm conditions.

Commissioner George Kruse argued that the federal disaster recovery money should be directed primarily toward stormwater and drainage improvements, which he described as the county's most pressing infrastructure problem during storms.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown also highlighted the challenges posed by heavy rainfall occurring alongside high tides and elevated water levels.

District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn previously described the infrastructure recovery program as "the largest infrastructure investment the County has ever managed" when the county announced funding availability in May.

Federal reviews required before construction

The projects cannot move into construction immediately. Before work can begin, each must meet federal requirements, including environmental reviews, checks for duplicate funding, cost assessments and necessary agreements.

County officials evaluated proposed projects based on eligibility, community needs, benefits to low- and moderate-income residents, feasibility, disaster resilience and alignment with recovery priorities.

The infrastructure program is separate from Manatee County's Home Recovery Program, which received approximately $75.6 million from the same federal allocation to assist eligible homeowners with storm-related repairs, reconstruction, replacement or elevation.

That program launched May 1 and continues independently of the infrastructure funding decisions.

The county has not provided a construction schedule for the newly approved projects.