Allegany, Maryland
Background
The Georges Creek Watershed, located in the rugged Allegheny Mountains coal-mining region of Western Maryland, is rich in history, cultural heritage and natural resources. Many of the watershed's communities, however, continue to be plagued by challenging water resource problems such as economic loss and personal hardship from persistent flooding, catastrophic flooding and poor water quality.
The Allegany County Project Impact Initiative, established in the summer of 1998, provided a new vehicle for discussions of multi-flood hazard mitigation and water quality issues during regular monthly meetings. Because the Project Impact group was comprised of many people who have a broad perspective on the Georges Creek Watershed, discussions led to a plan for completing a full-scale mitigation, habitat restoration and sustainable development program. The Lonaconing Stream Restoration and Greenway Park Development Project is an example of this comprehensive planning approach developed by a diverse group with common goals.
Project Description
The Lonaconing Stream Restoration and Greenway Park Development Project is a three phase comprehensive project which addresses the following problems: poor water quality, severe erosion, bank destabilization and channelization. The three phases of this project include: Phase I- acquisition of four properties, Phase II- restoration of channel and banks (1,600 linear feet), and Phase III- wetland and greenway park development (3 acres).
Project features include:
_ Creation of a water quality wetland.
_ Development of a greenway park.
_ Establishment of educational signs/stations explaining restoration activities and the benefits to the local ecosystem.
_ Utilization of community support and input.
_ Improved habitat area.
_ Improvement and proper utilization of acquired floodplain property.
Benefits
_ Reduction in flooding.
_ Improvement in the aesthetics of the community at a highly visible location adjacent to Maryland Route 36.
_ The project will enhance educational opportunities for the local high school, which is approximately a quarter mile from the project site.
_ Effective comprehensive planning can incorporate the vested interests of many agencies and residents.
Project Costs and Funding Sources
Total Project Cost = $265,500
_ Acquisitions (Phase 1) = $62,500
_ Maryland Department of Natural Resources 319 (h) Grant = $57,500
_ Upper Potomac Tributary Team = $28,000
_ Maryland Department of Natural Resources = $80,000
_ FEMA Project Impact = $5,000
_ Maryland State Highway Administration = $20,000
_ Program Open Space (P.O.S.) = $12,500
_ Volunteer work time provided by Georges Creek Watershed Association, Trout Unlimited and Town of Lonaconing
Background
The Georges Creek Watershed, located in the rugged Allegheny Mountains coal-mining region of Western Maryland, is rich in history, cultural heritage and natural resources. Many of the watershed's communities, however, continue to be plagued by challenging water resource problems such as economic loss and personal hardship from persistent flooding, catastrophic flooding and poor water quality.
The Allegany County Project Impact Initiative, established in the summer of 1998, provided a new vehicle for discussions of multi-flood hazard mitigation and water quality issues during regular monthly meetings. Because the Project Impact group was comprised of many people who have a broad perspective on the Georges Creek Watershed, discussions led to a plan for completing a full-scale mitigation, habitat restoration and sustainable development program. The Lonaconing Stream Restoration and Greenway Park Development Project is an example of this comprehensive planning approach developed by a diverse group with common goals.
Project Description
The Lonaconing Stream Restoration and Greenway Park Development Project is a three phase comprehensive project which addresses the following problems: poor water quality, severe erosion, bank destabilization and channelization. The three phases of this project include: Phase I- acquisition of four properties, Phase II- restoration of channel and banks (1,600 linear feet), and Phase III- wetland and greenway park development (3 acres).
Project features include:
_ Creation of a water quality wetland.
_ Development of a greenway park.
_ Establishment of educational signs/stations explaining restoration activities and the benefits to the local ecosystem.
_ Utilization of community support and input.
_ Improved habitat area.
_ Improvement and proper utilization of acquired floodplain property.
Benefits
_ Reduction in flooding.
_ Improvement in the aesthetics of the community at a highly visible location adjacent to Maryland Route 36.
_ The project will enhance educational opportunities for the local high school, which is approximately a quarter mile from the project site.
_ Effective comprehensive planning can incorporate the vested interests of many agencies and residents.
Project Costs and Funding Sources
Total Project Cost = $265,500
_ Acquisitions (Phase 1) = $62,500
_ Maryland Department of Natural Resources 319 (h) Grant = $57,500
_ Upper Potomac Tributary Team = $28,000
_ Maryland Department of Natural Resources = $80,000
_ FEMA Project Impact = $5,000
_ Maryland State Highway Administration = $20,000
_ Program Open Space (P.O.S.) = $12,500
_ Volunteer work time provided by Georges Creek Watershed Association, Trout Unlimited and Town of Lonaconing