Westernport Flood Mitigation, Restoration, and Park Development Project
Flooding. In 1996, two devastating floods caused catastrophic damage throughout a four county area of Western Maryland. The town of Westernport, located at the confluence of Georges Creek and the Potomac River, was one of the hardest hit by the floods, and one of the first to incorporate non-structural alternatives in their flood recovery efforts.
Phase I.Flood recovery efforts included the purchase and removal of 27 homeslocated within the floodplain, reconstruction of streambank retaining wallsto protect highway infrastructure, repair and relocation of sanitary sewers,and the environmental restoration and re-establishment of the floodplainarea for a one mile stretch of Georges Creek in Westernport
Phase II.Westernport Creekside Park was developed in thenewly acquired floodplain open space. Participantsin the planning process included school students,educators, senior citizens, property owners, businesses,civic organizations, community leaders, and electedofficials. The plan for the Greenway Park complementsthe floodplain restoration work, allows for manyeducational opportunities, and includes areas forpassive recreation. The plan itself is conceptual In nature,and provides a long-term vision for use of the GeorgesCreek floodplain and related community resources.
(sidebar)Why use no structural alternatives?· The planting of vegetationalong streambanks slowsdown flow, decreasing erosionand downstream floodpeaks.
· Non-structural alternativespromote the creation of poolsand riffles which improvefish habitat.
· Shade provides improved habitat and helps maintainwater temperature.
· Restoration efforts usingbioengineering methodsreduce bank erosion andchannel deposition, whichsignificantly reducesmaintenance costs.
· Working naturally with thewaterway will help the creekto stabilize itself and maintainits banks and channel.
Project Partners.· Town of Westernport · Westernport Elementary School· Saint Peters Elementary School· Westernport Senior Center· Potomac Volunteer Fire Department· Westernport Boy Scouts· American Legion Victory Post 01-55· Westernport Redman · Allegany County· Maryland Office of Planning· Maryland DNR, Forestry· Maryland DNR, Program Open Space· Maryland Department of Environment· Maryland DOT, State Highway Administration·
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