The city of Naples will host a groundbreaking ceremony on the beach Tuesday, Oct. 15, to start an $86.2 million project that will improve the quality of stormwater discharged into the Gulf of Mexico — and reduce street flooding.

The public is invited to the Stormwater Beach Outfall Project event at 10 a.m. on the beach at the Third Avenue North beach access. Beach parking at Second Avenue North, Third Avenue North and Fourth Avenue North will be reserved for attendees from 7-11 a.m.

City officials said the landmark project will significantly enhance water quality through a state-ofthe- art “stormwater-treatment train,” improve flood protection, reduce beach erosion, safeguard environmental species and remove unsightly stormwater-outfall pipes from beaches — replacing them with an underground system that discharges treated stormwater miles away from the shore into the Gulf.

A stormwater-treatment train involves a series of processes that reduce bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorous levels, and remove pollutants from stormwater runoff to prevent them from entering the receiving water. The city has stepped up street cleaning to reduce pollutants entering storm drains and sewers and has been monitoring its outfall pipes.

City officials say the project also will bolster the city’s resiliency to climate change and protect the coastal ecosystem.

Costs escalated over 14 years, after the state Department of Environmental Protection directed the city to remove eight outfall pipes from beaches. The city received $15 million from the state and spent $11.5 million, but costs escalated from the initial $32 million estimate — mostly due to post-pandemic-related cost increases. This year, the state awarded the city an additional $25 million. Just before Hurricane Helene hit, one outfall pipe broke off, according to Mayor Teresa Heitmann, who said the area surrounding the project experiences the heaviest flooding.

During the event, city officials will recognize the efforts and support of project partners, stakeholders and the community. Heitmann, Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and City Manager Jay Boodheshwar will speak, and Public Works Director Bob Middleton will provide a project overview.

For more information and to sign up for project updates, visit naplesgov.com and select “subscribe.”