Ocean City Mayor Hopeful City Council Will Approve Flood Remediation Funds Soon

The bids that Ocean City recently received for the roads and drainage project between 26th Street and 34th Street were slightly higher than expected, but still within the city's budget, Mayor Jay A. Gillian said.

If the City Council approves a bid at the next meeting on Feb. 9, the work will begin in the following weeks, the mayor says.

"This will mark the long-awaited start of the biggest flood remediation project in Ocean City history," Gillian said. "The project will bring relief to 24 blocks at a cost of more than $65. million. It's the second major drainage project for Ocean City."

The system will not eliminate all flooding in low elevation neighborhood, but the new storm drain system and four pumping stations should make a substantial difference, the mayor said.

Gillian said he will also recommend the Council consider moving funds into the five-year capital plan for an addition to the city public safety building from 2017 to 2018.

"It's a large project and I want to educate the public and solicit full feedback on what's planned, what options we've considered and the needs of the police department, municipal court, emergency dispatch operations and social services office that work out of that building."

Image: Patch file photo