CDBG Funds to Improve Westgate Drainage

Several streets in a flood-prone section of suburban West Palm Beach will be getting some much-needed drainage and surface improvements when construction of the North Westgate Infrastructure Improvement Project gets underway this fall.

The first two phases of the six-phase project are funded, and officials with Palm Beach County Housing and Community Development have recommended an additional $250,000 in community development block grant (CDBG) funds to assist with phase three.

CDBG funds are issued by the federal government and distributed by Housing and Community Development, following review and approval by the Board of County Commissioners. The project involves construction of drainage ponds, as well as sidewalks and paving along four blocks north of Westgate Avenue in the unincorporated residential neighborhood east of Military Trail.

“This area has the lowest ground elevation in central Palm Beach County,” said Jose Sosa, executive director of the Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency. “When it rains, the storm water doesn’t drain for several weeks. These improvements will help drain the streets in one to two days.”

So far, more than $2 million has been spent to overhaul Westgate’s infrastructure, including $900,000 from District 2 discretionary funds.

“This neighborhood has been neglected for years, and we’re just trying to help them catch up,” said Commissioner Carol Roberts. “We’re also moving forward with a new water and sewer system so that residents won’t have to keep relying on aging wells and septic systems.”

For information, contact: Mark Esterly, 355-1108

 

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