The City of Miami’s comprehensive stormwater master plan: executive summary

Stormwater management planning is necessary to protect public safety and infrastructure from local and regional flooding while meeting regulatory requirements which protect the environment. Due to changes in land use from redevelopment, increasing sea levels, extreme rainfall, and the changing regulatory environment over time, the development of a new and comprehensive Citywide SWMP was desirable. The SWMP provides the structure to establish a database, stormwater model, and capital improvement program (CIP), as well as a policy framework that would protect public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. 

The City has planned for the initial funding of projects that will mitigate flooding, protect and enhance the water quality of Biscayne Bay, and strengthen the shorelines from tidal storm inundation. This Citywide comprehensive SWMP was required to study, analyze, and provide the engineering recommendations and planning-level costs for capital projects and operational recommendations implemented over time for the best use of that funding. This approach will meet the City’s desired level of service (LOS) for stormwater management, plan for sea level rise and storm surge impacts on the system, and enhance the protection of Biscayne Bay.