Ocean City Approves Haven Avenue Flood Mitigation Contract
Ocean City Municipal Council officially approved Contract #26-20 for the Haven Avenue Flood Mitigation Project, covering the interior residential corridor from 19th Street to 26th Street. Competitive bidding proposals were submitted electronically via the municipal OpenGov E-Procurement platform prior to final council authorization.
This major capital improvement project includes the installation of an upgraded subterranean stormwater collection network alongside a dedicated neighborhood stormwater pumping station. Ground construction is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026, with an targeted operational deadline of Easter 2027.
Strategic Stormwater Infrastructure for Interior Neighborhoods
The new pumping station infrastructure is designed to directly relieve chronic tidal inundation and severe surface water pooling along low-lying interior streets. Following this installation, municipal engineering consultants have completed preliminary plans for the neighboring Ocean City Homes section, marking the next scheduled phase of citywide drainage remediation. Funding is drawn directly from Ocean City's multi-year capital improvement program.
“These islands are already built out, so there’s only so much property to go around,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “Markets go up and down, but over the long haul, that scarcity keeps values moving in the right direction.”
Upgrades to drainage networks and flood abatement infrastructure play an essential role in protecting long-term property values and accessibility across barrier island communities. For detailed guidance on navigating local housing trends and market timing, visit our contact page to learn more.
Project Overview and Construction Timeline
Contract Award: City Contract #26-20 awarded by Ocean City Municipal Council.
Geographic Scope: Haven Avenue from 19th Street to 26th Street.
Infrastructure Scope: Subterranean stormwater piping and a dedicated pumping station.
Construction Schedule: Fall 2026 launch through target completion by Easter 2027.
Next Phase: Preliminary designs completed for the adjacent Ocean City Homes neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Haven Avenue construction begin?
Physical construction activity is scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2026.
How will the project help low-lying streets?
The new neighborhood pumping station and upgraded subterranean pipes will actively pump out stormwater and reduce tidal flooding pooling.
What area will be remediated after Haven Avenue?
Engineers have finalized preliminary designs for the Ocean City Homes neighborhood as the next project phase.
Sources: Ocean City Municipal Council; City of Ocean City
