Canal Dredging
Over the past several years, the City of Cape Coral has been advancing the permitting process for its citywide dredging program — a vital step to maintain our 400+ miles of canals and ensure the long-term health, safety, and resilience of our waterways.
The Cape Coral canal system is intentionally designed to provide flood control, water quality benefits, and the freshwater canals also provide for irrigation storage. Canals convey stormwater runoff away from homes and streets, reducing flood risk during heavy rains. Weirs and control structures in the freshwater canals help manage water levels and store excess stormwater, protecting both neighborhoods and nearby estuaries.
The City’s Stormwater Fund provides funding for dredging as well as other activities associated with stormwater management. Stormwater fees are collected on annual property tax bills for the Stormwater Fund. The Fund provides an annual allocation of $2 million for dredging work, with inflation escalation each year.
Why Dredging is Needed
- Supports water quality, flood control, and ecosystem balance
- Restores canal depth lost to sedimentation and erosion
- Maintains navigability and safe boating access
Permitting Process
Dredging activity requires regulatory approval from the following agencies:
- S. Army Corps of Engineers: Federal review of navigation, environmental impacts, and compliance with the Clean Water Act and Rivers and Harbors Act. USACE also coordinates with other agencies, such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, to ensure protection of habitat and wildlife.
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: State review focused on water quality, wetland protection, and environmental compliance. FDEP also consults with other state and regional partners to evaluate potential impacts.
For up to date information about ongoing dredging projects in the city, see the project page:
