A flood-prevention project is slated to start next year in Sweetwater.

The city recently hosted a workshop to discuss the South Florida Water Management District C-4 project, which is scheduled to start in June of 2014 and has phases.

The workshop informed residents of what to expect in the near future, said Mayor Manny Maroño.

“It should not affect residents along the canal bank,” he said. “I want the residents to know what is going to be going on.”

All of the projects are along the C-4 Tamiami Canal adjacent to Southwest Eighth street in western Miami-Dade. The Sweetwater phase is between 97th and 107th avenues, and has a construction cost estimate of $1.9 million with an anticipated duration of 14 months. Construction working hours will be limited by city and county ordinances.

The Belen Phase is between 122nd and 130th avenues, with an estimated $1.7 million cost.

The Palmetto phase is between the Palmetto Expressway and 92nd Avenue, and between 94th and 97th avenues. Plans and price for the Palmetto phase are still under development.

It has been a project in works for a while, but was pushed back due permits and other factors.

Tommy Strowd, division director for the operation maintenance and construction division of South Florida Water Management District, said the project will consist of a barrier about a foot high on the north side of the canal.

“We are working with the community to construct something that provides the level of protection with the least obtrusive manner as we can,” he said in a phone interview.

The levy will be built parallel to the canal on the canal bank. He added that it will be constructed on the right of way owned by the South Florida Water Management District.

Any fences, plants or items in the way of the planned location will be removed or accommodated, but construction will take care of the costs.

Maroño said this will resolve any flooding issues, although the city has been doing its part on fixing Sweetwater’s drainage system.