A study was commissioned by South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to carry out a study of the bank stabilization options for the North Fork of the New River (NFNR) in unincorporated Fort Lauderdale in Broward County. The primary objectives of this study were to conduct an independent scientific and engineering review of the existing conditions in the NFNR and prepare a stakeholder coordinated response to the erosion problems being encountered and improve water quality within a environmentally friendly and sustainable framework.

An examination of a number of "hard" and "soft" options was done, with consideration of the options technical viability and eligibility of access to public funds.

There is a total of 15,200 feet of embankment (north and south) within the project area for which it was determined 2,000 feet has erosion problems of significance, all of which fall within the Washington Park and Franklin Park neighborhoods on the curves of the river.

An analysis was done based on the following factors:

• Environment
• Constructability
• Access to Public Funding
• Aesthetics
• Maintenance
• Cost
• Water Quality
• Technical Appropriateness

The preferable option selected after a public presentation to the stakeholders at a public meeting was to utilize rip-rap with an in-situ reinforced concrete beam.

After Hurricane Wilma hit South Florida in late 2005, the North Fork of New River was been severely affected and it was determined that about 1,500 feet in the area between Sistrunk Blvd. and 27th Ave. had significant erosion problems. The SFWMD partnered with the National Resource Conservation Service Office to fund this project.