Working Together for the Community

Working Together for the Community. 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 homes located within the floodplain, reconstruction of streambank retaining walls to protect highway infrastructure, repair and relocation of sanitary sewers, and the environmental restoration and re-establishment of the floodplain area for a one mile stretch of Georges Creek in Westernport , Phase II. Westernport Creekside Park was developed in the newly acquired floodplain open space. Participants in the planning process included school students, educators, senior citizens, property owners, businesses, civic organizations, community leaders, and elected officials. The plan for the Greenway Park complements the floodplain restoration work, allows for many educational opportunities, and includes areas for passive recreation. The plan itself is conceptual In nature, and provides a long-term vision for use of the Georges Creek floodplain and related community resources. , (sidebar) , Why use no structural alternatives? , . The planting of vegetation along streambanks slows down flow, decreasing erosion and downstream floodpeaks. , . Non-structural alternatives promote the creation of pools and riffles which improve fish habitat. , . Shade provides improved habitat and helps maintain water temperature. , . Restoration efforts using bioengineering methods reduce bank erosion and channel deposition, which significantly reduces maintenance costs. , . Working naturally with the waterway will help the creek to stabilize itself and maintain its 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 . (7 additional illegible entries) . This historical marker is in Westernport in Allegany County Maryland