USACE rules out storage for Daytona Beach flood control, pivots to tide gates and buyouts

USACE rules out storage for Daytona Beach flood control, pivots to tide gates and buyoutsProject managers warned city officials that the region's 'bowl effect' topography prevents total flood elimination, necessitating a focus on tidal exclusion structures and property acquisition.

USACE Project Manager Jim LeGrone stated that underground storage is not viable due to high water tables and retrofitting a golf course for retention would cost up to $200 million with a low benefit-cost ratio.

The study is now prioritizing tide gates and pump stations at the 11th Street, Reed, and Halifax canals to prevent tidal inundation and improve drainage capacity.

Modeling based on Hurricanes Milton and Ian predicts 100-year flood depths of up to 28 inches in specific neighborhoods like Carolyn Village.

The Corps is evaluating both voluntary and mandatory property buyouts as part of the solution set.

A tentative selected plan is expected to be presented in February 2026, with the final public report slated for October 2026.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provided a critical update to the Daytona Beach City Commission regarding its ongoing hurricane flood management study, revealing that the city’s unique geomorphology limits the effectiveness of traditional storage solutions. USACE Project Manager Jim LeGrone presented the findings on December 17, emphasizing that while flood risks can be mitigated, they cannot be fully eliminated. LeGrone described the study area within the Nova Canal watershed as suffering from a "bowl effect," situated between the Atlantic Coastal Ridge and the Rima Ridge. The area lacks a direct connection to the Halifax River, unlike neighboring municipalities. Compounding the issue is a high water table that sits near the surface, leaving little capacity for groundwater infiltration during storm events. "You're not only treating excess stormwater surface, you also have internal water that's moving into this area underground," LeGrone explained. The study utilized data from recent storm events, including Hurricane Milton (9.1 inches of rain) and Hurricane Ian (13.1 inches), to calibrate hydrologic models. Modeling for a 100-year flood event predicted significant inundation, with LeGrone citing potential flood depths of 28 inches in Carolyn Village and 19 inches in Fairway Estates. The USACE team has screened 22 initial alternatives down to a focused set of measures based on cost-benefit analyses. LeGrone indicated that underground storage options were removed from consideration due to the high water table. Additionally, a proposal to retrofit a local golf course into a dry reservoir was deemed cost-prohibitive, with costs estimated in the $100 million to $200 million range and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) between 0.3 and 0.4, well below the threshold for federal viability. Instead, the study is prioritizing the installation of tide gates and pump stations at key outfalls, including the 11th Street, Reed, and Halifax canals. This strategy aligns with proven USACE methodologies deployed in other coastal regions with high water tables, such as Port Monmouth, New Jersey, where similar infrastructure successfully drained low-lying areas following Hurricane Sandy. LeGrone explained that high tides at the inlet currently inundate the Daytona canals, reducing their drainage capacity. "If you have these huge gates there, the tidewaters don't infiltrate those canals... it creates more capacity," he noted. The proposed systems would likely mirror other Corps designs that emphasize dependability through redundant pumping capabilities, allowing water to be actively moved out of the system even when gravity drainage is blocked. The presentation also touched on the potential for property buyouts. LeGrone confirmed that the team is evaluating both voluntary and mandatory buyout options for the most severely affected structures, though specific recommendations have not yet been finalized. When asked about funding for such buyouts, LeGrone indicated federal assistance would likely be available. The study is currently entering the Agency Technical Review phase. LeGrone expects to return to the commission with more refined data and a "tentative selected plan" in February 2026, with a final public report anticipated for release in October 2026.