Ayalon Flood Prevention Drainage System Faces Operational Budget Shortfall Ahead of Winter

As winter approaches, officials involved in the "Flood Blanket" project at Ariel Sharon Park warn that the operational and maintenance budget for the drainage system designed to prevent flooding in the Ayalon area has not yet been secured. This system is a key component of the fourth railway track construction by Israel Railways, intended to manage runoff water from the Shfela and hill regions into the Ayalon channel during heavy rains. The warning was communicated to Environment Minister Idit Silman, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter, and senior officials across various government bodies including Netivei Israel and the Yarkon Drainage Authority.

The "Flood Blanket" project spans approximately 4,000 dunams within Ariel Sharon Park and is integral to the fourth Ayalon track, as without it, the railway's operation would cause massive flooding. Initially, Netivei Israel was to maintain the area for seven years, but government ministries later decided to transfer responsibility to the Ariel Sharon Park Company for management, operation, and maintenance before public opening. Despite 2 billion shekels already invested, the project faces delays partly due to the war, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and subsequent handover of the land.

However, the unresolved issue is the lack of an approved budget for ongoing operation and maintenance, estimated at around 50 million shekels annually, excluding additional funds needed by the drainage authority. Without this funding, there is concern the system may not function when needed, undermining the entire flood prevention effort. The area is also planned to become a metropolitan park with a rich ecosystem, meaning poor maintenance could negatively impact both the drainage system and public and environmental use.

Since the drainage system is not an independent project but part of the infrastructure for the fourth Ayalon track, its proper operation is essential for the railway's overall functionality and completion.