McCoys Creek restoration project recognized as Stormwater Project of the Year
A shared vision for restoring a natural waterway in the heart of Jacksonville has earned statewide recognition—and the St. Johns River Water Management District played a key role in making it happen.
The McCoys Creek Stream Restoration – Phase 1 project, supported by a $1.5 million cost-share investment from the District, was awarded Project of the Year in the Stormwater category by the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award was presented during the 2025 Florida Public Works Expo in Orlando on April 30.
The District’s cost-share program is designed to empower local communities to take on projects that protect water quality, reduce flooding and restore natural systems. The McCoys Creek project is a standout example of that mission in action—where strategic funding and collaboration have produced transformational results.
Led by the city of Jacksonville and supported by a wide range of partners, the project reimagines stormwater management by restoring 1.5 miles of McCoys Creek and its adjacent floodplain. This nature-based approach not only improves water quality and habitat, but also protects 52 acres and 62 structures from 100-year storm events, easing chronic flooding in a highly urbanized area.
Rather than installing only traditional infrastructure, the city pursued a vision rooted in ecological restoration and community revitalization. Once a neglected and flood-prone corridor, McCoys Creek is being transformed into a living, resilient waterway—with benefits that extend far beyond flood control.
The restoration marks the city’s first urban stream project of this scale—an ambitious undertaking shaped by years of planning and collaboration. The work involved navigating historic contamination, complex permitting, dense development and input from multiple stakeholders.
The District’s funding was part of a larger partnership that included Groundwork Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Department of Transportation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and construction firms WSP and CDM Smith.
Since fiscal year 2014, the District—working alongside FDEP—has provided more than $29 million in cost-share funding to Duval County, helping bring dozens of local water projects to life. Combined with local and agency contributions, these investments total over $114 million, supporting stormwater improvements, water supply planning, conservation and flood resilience throughout the region.
This year’s APWA Florida conference was themed “Building Legacies,” and the McCoys Creek project reflects that spirit. It’s not only a win for infrastructure and engineering—it’s a win for community health and the future of the Lower St. Johns River Basin.
As Florida communities face growing climate challenges, the District remains committed to supporting projects like this—where natural solutions, local leadership and strong partnerships come together to protect water and strengthen resilience for generations to come.
