The Public Works department is the management center for planning and implementing engineering design, construction, and maintenance programs within the Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Capital Projects, Parks Maintenance, Fleet Management, Stormwater and Road and Bridge divisions. The function of the Public Works Department is to provide a complete infrastructure for transportation, parks, beaches, and storm water systems within Indian River County, as well as meeting the fleet management needs of all County departments.
The Stormwater section is responsible for designing, constructing and managing regional stormwater pollution control systems to reduce stormwater-borne pollution of the Indian River Lagoon, and where possible, to prevent flooding.
The Coastal Engineering section is responsible for the management of issues relating to the County's beaches and coastal environments. A major function is implementation of the County's Beach Preservation Plan, which monitors rates and trends of beach erosion throughout the County and identifies areas where large-scale beach renourishment projects are justified and warranted. The section also advises coastal residents on issues of erosion and shoreline armoring, and is responsible for developing and implementing a Habitat Conservation Plan for sea turtles, which will allow the County to regulate and issue permits for emergency shoreline protection measures when necessary. Coastal Engineering also monitors and manages erosion control efforts along the County's Indian River Lagoon shoreline, and manages the County's artificial reef program.