$25 Million Wetland Project in Delaware Breaks Ground

Oct. 25, 2019

Delaware has started construction on its South Wilmington Wetlands Project, which aims to reduce flooding and restore degraded wetlands. 

Delaware officials have begun the construction of the $25 million South Wilmington Wetlands Park project, reported 1st State Update

According to Mayor Purzycki’s press release, the purpose of the wetland park project is to create a storm water management facility that will reduce flooding in Southbridge. The project also has the goal to restore 14 acres of degraded wetland to a freshwater tidal wetland habitat in South Wilmington. The most prominent design feature of the project is a pathway through the heart of the park. 

“For too long, Southbridge neighborhood residents in Wilmington have endured chronic flooding – damaging homes, businesses and infrastructure,” said Delaware U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester in the press release. “I am optimistic that the wetland project will help promote economic growth and environmental justice, protect home and business owners and provide an open and accessible community space for Southbridge residents.”

Planning for this project began more than 15 years ago, according to 1st State Update

The project is expected to be completed in late 2020.

Funding for the project includes $21 million in city capital funds and a $3 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The remaining funding came from the federal and state governments and the Nature Conservancy.

“This project is a big deal for Wilmington,” said the mayor, “especially for the residents of the Southbridge community and other parts of South Wilmington, which have had to deal with persistent, damaging flooding for far too long. I’m sure that the South Wilmington Wetlands Park will make a huge difference for this part of the city. It won’t solve all of our high-water problems, but it will help to mitigate these issues and provide a beautiful park for everyone to enjoy.”

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Cristina Tuser