Bonifay launches Downtown Resilient Stormwater Project with DHM Melvin Engineering

DHM Melvin Engineering is honored to partner with the City of Bonifay on the Downtown Resilient Stormwater Project, a forward-thinking initiative funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through the Resilient Florida program. With an estimated construction cost of $2.1 million, the project is designed to improve water quality, enhance stormwater capacity, and reduce flooding risks in the area.

Engineering with Community in Mind
Led by Project Manager Brent Melvin, P.E. – DHM, the stormwater facility was carefully designed with consideration of the surrounding residential neighborhoods and adjacent Middlebrooks Park. The project ensures that critical stormwater resilience is achieved in a way that fits within the context of the community.

Legislative and Local Collaboration
Legislative support from Senator Jay Trumbull and Representative Shane Abbott was instrumental in securing resources for rural communities through the Resilient Florida program. The project has been a collaborative effort, with contributions from Mayor Larry Cook and the entire Bonifay City Council. Additionally, city of Bonifay staff, including Sierra Smith, Grants Coordinator, and Aaron Taylor, Public Works. The DHM project team includes John Udochi, Ryan Hughes, and Paula Weeks, with support from Clearview Land Design as subconsultants.

Investing in the Future
In addition, the City and DHM partnered with the Florida State University College of Engineering, where a Senior Design Class of engineering students assisted in developing preliminary designs for the stormwater pond. This partnership provided students with valuable hands-on experience while advancing the City’s resilience goals.

“We were honored to work alongside the City of Bonifay and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on this visionary project,” said David H. Melvin, P.E., founder of DHM Melvin Engineering. “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainable infrastructure and community enrichment. At DHM, part of our purpose is to creatively solve the infrastructure needs of our clients, and we’re proud to help bring this vision to life.”

The Downtown Resilient Stormwater Project will serve as a model for other small communities seeking to integrate resilience into infrastructure planning.