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.
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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)
Marker is on Main Street (Maryland Route 937) near Ross Street, on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
