Harris Announces $1.24 Million Grant to Crisfield for Flooding Mitigation

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of a $1,241,526 federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the State of Maryland for flood mitigation projects in the City of Crisfield in Somerset County. Specifically, this grant will cover 90% of the projected costs to install 11 tide gates, fund culvert replacement, and install two pump stations. Backflow valves will prevent tidal water from flowing through storm drains and onto roads and structures, affording protection from normal, extreme, and hurricane tides. Two stormwater pump stations will also be installed to protect areas that experience frequent standing water during rainfall when the water cannot return to the Chesapeake Bay during high tides. The pumping stations will prevent stormwater from collecting on streets when the backflow valves are closed and will force the water back into the Bay and away from businesses, residential buildings, and streets.

Congressman Harris made the following statement:

"As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I applaud the award of this grant for flooding projects in Crisfield. This small historic town consistently is subject to serious flooding hazards, and this project will allow Crisfield to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of these events. Grants like this have my full support."

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