Southwest Ranches approves $4.1 million Green Meadows drainage project

The Town of Southwest Ranches voted to award a $4,101,050 contract to Calus Corp to construct the Green Meadows drainage improvement project. Council members heard a project overview, asked about schedule and impacts, and approved the resolution by roll-call vote.

Staff said the project should take approximately six months once the contractor mobilizes, with a likely start in early January but the possibility of earlier work if logistics allow. Funding for the project combines a state budget allocation ($793,000 noted in staff comments with a $100,000 town match), ARPA proceeds ($1,079,172.63 identified in revised allocations) and other grant surpluses; staff described a shortfall that will be covered from unassigned fund balance as previously discussed at the meeting.

Why it matters: The drainage project is one of the town's largest infrastructure undertakings in the current fiscal cycle and addresses chronic flooding and drainage complaints raised by residents during the campaign and in public comments.

Details and conditions: The town's public works lead and the contractor discussed permitting and resident notification processes. Staff said they will send letters to affected residents before construction and hold a pre-construction meeting. Council also asked staff to monitor potential additional costs tied to restroom/sewer connections at the Sanctuary building, where staff reported uncertain requirements from Sunrise utilities and the county health department that could increase project costs if sewer connection becomes required.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the pre-construction schedule and resident notifications. Construction will proceed after the contract is executed and permitting is complete; staff estimated six months for construction but noted unknowns tied to permitting and utilities.