Work on the drainage system in the makai area of Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is expected to begin in April now that money for the improvements has been released.

According to a news release from the office of Gov. Linda Lingle, $500,000 has been released for the work.

The news release said the project is part of the $1.87 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Lingle on Dec. 15 to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Progress of all 1,521 projects included in the plan can be tracked on the Web site www.hawaii.gov/cip.

This project includes restoring damaged concrete, backfilling sinkholes adjacent to the open channel, reinstalling protective fencing, and taking measures to halt the flow of soil into the drainage system and the corrosion of the reinforcing steel in the concrete.

The total project cost is estimated at just over $1 million.

The work is expected to be completed in September.