Philadelphia's Eastwick neighborhood is set to gain improved flood protection, a development welcomed by the local community. A grant of over $1.38 million will support the construction of the Eastwick Near-term Flood Barrier Project. This initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to providing a temporary solution for the flood-prone area while long-term strategies are being developed, as outlined in a statement from the City's Office of Sustainability.
The financial aid allocated for this project, secured through the efforts of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, will be directed at erecting a HESCO® barrier, a defense measure known for its adaptability and relatively swift deployment, and these temporary structures have been used across the nation, including in New York City; they have proven effective at holding back floodwaters. The project is set to kick off its design phase in spring 2025, aiming to alleviate the recurring flooding originating from the Cobbs and Darby Creeks, as characterized by the Office of Sustainability's Interim Director, Elizabeth Lankenau. "The Eastwick Near-term Flood Barrier Project will protect vulnerable residents and properties from damaging floods," she remarked in a press statement by the City's Office of Sustainability, highlighting both the urgency and importance of the initiative.
Eastwick's position as one of Philadelphia's lowest-lying areas makes it particularly susceptible to flood damage, a situation worsening with the advent of climate change. The barrier is a stopgap, giving Eastwick residents some respite from the devastation of moderate floods while the city, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Water Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, conducts a feasibility study for a more permanent solution, which could potentially be a levee along Cobbs Creek.
This project falls under the broader "Eastwick: From Recovery to Resilience" initiative, a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability, Eastwick residents, community leaders, and various government entities, it is a community-driven push for a long-term, sustainable flood resilience strategy. Additional funding contributions are on the docket, with financial input expected from FEMA, PEMA, and funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program, further bolstering Eastwick's defenses in the wake of damage from Hurricane Ida, as the city collectively navigates toward a more flood-resilient future.
The Office of Sustainability, beyond addressing immediate flood concerns, works towards enhancing Philadelphia's broader environmental health. Through projects like municipal energy management and carbon emission reduction, it aims to advance environmental justice and prepare the city for the anticipated challenges of climate change. More information can be obtained on the initiatives and scope of their work at Philadelphia's government website.
