The city of Austin is one step closer to starting flood mitigation efforts in the Turtle Creek area.

The Austin City Council heard the results of a report on Turtle Creek flood mitigation, which estimated the project will cost about $3.3 million based on current plans to buy property, build earthen berms to control flooding, and construct individualized flood proofing for properties along the creek.

“It’s a moving target,” Public Works Director Steven Lang told the council during a work session meeting Monday. “[The study is] just a guide.”

Lang said the city will receive a $1.8 million grant from the state Department of Natural Resources to offset some of the miscellaneous costs of the project, which will include purchasing property in areas like 21st Street and Seventh Avenue Southwest, and 18th Street and 10th Place Southwest. The city may also put in berms near Sacred Heart Care Center.

Each flood wall would be built three feet higher than the flooding levels from the 2004 flood, the highest on record in Austin.

Lang said cost estimates may vary depending on how much property the city can buy and how many berms the city creates. The city may also consider miscellaneous items like walking trails and sidewalks along the Turtle Creek area.

The council will likely commission a design study from engineering firm Bolton & Menk in August to work out more details. The city will also make more efforts to buy property in advance of the construction, which is scheduled to start next summer.