Work begins on $23M Orlo Vista flood mitigation project

ORANGE COUNTY – One day after receiving their Notice to Proceed, construction crews were out along the lakes in Orlo Vista setting up fencing to contain dirt in their future job site.

The fencing, along with the arrival of a trailer, pipes and equipment, marked the beginning of the end of a years-long process to protect nearby homes from additional floods.

The mitigation plan was formed after Hurricane Irma devastated the region in 2017. Contractors will deepen the three ponds and reshape the side slopes to create 10 feet of additional flood mitigation volume, install pipes to keep the water levels across the ponds equal and install larger pipes to help pump more water out before major storms.

The project cost will be $23.15 million, according to county records, and will primarily be funded by the federal government. It’s expected to be completed in 2024.