Hudson Bayou Watershed restoration project honored

In January 2020, SBEP, Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota, and the Sarasota School Board with funding support from the Southwest Florida Water Management District completed the Hudson Bayou In-Stream Restoration and Water Quality Improvements project. This initiative integrated multiple habitat and water quality improvement features into two main canals of Hudson Bayou located at Sarasota High School. In December 2019, the project was awarded Public Works Project of the Year for the environmental category by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Suncoast Chapter.

This seven-year project aimed to enhance stormwater drainage and storage, reduce pollutant and sediment loading, preserve tree islands, and improve native habitat. Partners started the planning process in December of 2013. By May 2019, all funds were secured to begin construction. The final elements were completed in January 2020.

Visit the link below to learn more about the individual elements of the project and how they work together to improve water quality and enhance habitat.