A regional retention pond that would allow more room for development is one step closer to becoming a reality. After hearing a report from engineer Frank Darabi, the Lake City Council and Columbia Board of County Commissioners decided Tuesday to develop more specific plans, including cost estimates. The boards will also create a storm water management committee. If the city and county decide to create a storm water utility system, or regional retention pond, the cost may come from taxpayers pockets, but more room for development would mean more housing and jobs. Storm water systems help prevent flooding.
Examples are retention ponds in developments and regional retention facilities.
The idea is to have a master storm water facility, Darabi said. In addition to maximizing the amount of land that could be developed, the regional retention pond would benefit builders by relieving them of flood maintenance responsibilities and streamlining the permitting process. Costs would include creating and maintaining the facility. Jerry Scarborough of the Suwannee River Water Management District said the regional facility could be used as a neighborhood park with a pond. A storm water study said the Cannon Creek basin is projected for development that could benefit from a retention facility.