Restoring natural waterways of Mill Slough Canal
After Hurricane Ian’s heavy rainfall and flooding, numerous trees fell into the waterway, exacerbating erosion and sediment build-up at Mill Slough Canal.
The City of Kissimmee Public Works & Engineering Department have worked diligently in cleaning up most of the debris from portions of the canal for the storm season. This is done being done to prevent any blockage to the waterways from disrupting how much water the canal can hold.
“This project is crucial in mitigating potential flood risks and restoring the waterway’s functionality,” stated the Director of Public Works and Engineering, Ashley Willis. “By removing fallen trees, branches, and other debris, we’ve eliminated obstacles that could impede natural water flow during future storms.”
Now with funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Mill Slough Canal project can focus on removing tree debris that had accumulated in the canal. Which poses risks of obstruction and potential flooding to the surrounding area.
For the sake of Mill Slough Canal, residents are urgently advised to do their part in maintaining the waterways cleanliness and functionality. Proper trash disposal and prompt reporting of fallen trees or debris in the waterway to the City can help prevent future blockages or potential flooding incidents.
For more information about the Mill Slough Canal debris removal project or any questions or concerns about special flood hazard areas, please contact stormwater engineer Nagel Altrui at 407-518-2163 or via email at nagel.altrui@kissimmee.gov.
KUA adopts $293 million budget
Following KUA board discussions and a public hearing on the subject, the Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors has approved a $293 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2025.
Thanks to a decrease in debt service, the figure is a 2.4% decrease from the 2024 budget. KUA officials say, as part of that budget, it’s the 20th consecutive year without a base rate increase, the last coming in July 2005.
The budget includes adding one position to a roster of 289 full-time equivalent employees, a 5 market level adjustment for employees to a payroll of $49 million. The budget forecasts 2% customer growth and a 1.1% energy sales increase over fiscal year 2024, officials said.
The new budget, which takes effect on Oct. 1, includes a $153 million line item for fuel and purchased power and $33 million each for capital expenditures and transfers to the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud and Osceola County.
