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The Florida Association of Special Districts has named the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District as the 2017 Special District of the Year.

It is the second time in the district’s history that it has been awarded the honor. The LA-MSID first received the statewide distinction from the association for its outstanding service in 2010.

“It is an honor to be awarded this recognition twice in seven years and (it) is an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication to the Lehigh Acres community,” District Manager David Lindsay said.

LA-MSID is responsible for improving the area’s stormwater management system by replacing deteriorating structures and adding storage through innovative solutions. The district collaborates with other agencies in an effort to identify grant funds and sign agreements with partners to fund necessary stormwater projects without dipping into reserves.

“The board of commissioners and staff work hard year-round to provide the best level of service, building relationships, thinking outside of the box and to find ways to make necessary improvements to our system in the most fiscally responsible manner,” he said.

LA-MSID’s most recent partnering is its $7.1 million agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation. Under the deal, the FDOT will supply about 50,000 dump truck loads of dirt for the widening of State Road 82; provide the aesthetic improvement, with an alternative to postage stamp ponds along the roadway; and aid in the completion of stormwater projects within the district.

According to Lindsay, the partnership will save taxpayers thousands of dollars, as well as create an extension to the Harns Marsh Preserve.

The LA-MSID will supply the dirt for the first two phases of the SR 82 project using 800,000 cubic yards that will come from the excavation being done to create aquacultures within West Harns.

On July 17, the district’s board held its monthly meeting, as well as a budget hearing. During the meeting, the board of commissioners approved two stormwater permits on the consent agenda.

One permit was approved for the San Martin Storage Yard, allowing it to create a truck storage site within the industrial park. The certification for its stormwater facility plans also passed. The storage area will house semitrailers and other commercial trucks.

The second permit granted an expansion to the Busy Bees Learning Center for an additional parking lot and stormwater detention system, to be located behind the existing buildings. According to Lindsay, the proposed plans for the learning center’s stormwater facilities also passed board approval.

The LA-MSID will hold its next meeting on Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at 601 East County Lane.