Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project
The City of Crisfield has applied for a grant to assist in protecting the City from flooding to a five-foot above sea-level flood event. The City has been working with a team from FEMA’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) and has met with this team every two weeks for the past year. The resulting project that has been developed to protect the City from flooding is the work of many hours by the BRIC DTA team including engineers and coastal scientists. The project is also informed by the study conducted by The Nature Conservancy with partners George Mason University (GMU), the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC), and the EPA Office of Research and Development (EPA ORD). The design being presented is still in a concept phase. Community members will have many opportunities for input on these projects over the next years prior to any construction beginning.
These projects in the FEMA BRIC grant applications will combine strategies to greatly reduce the tide and flood water entering the City and assist in getting the water out quickly if it does enter, such as during a storm or rain event.
The City will be applying for the FEMA grants in two parts. The City has applied for $40 million for the Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project to assist in protecting the south side of the City to the 3.5 foot level of flooding. Next year, the City will apply for the Northern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project to assist in protecting the north part of the City to the 5-foot flood level. The completed project will protect both the north and the south parts of the City to the 5-foot flood level. Each grant will take up to one year to be approved, and then will be in design for one year. Permitting and construction is anticipated to take an additional one to two years per grant. Construction is not estimated to start until 2026.
A conceptual layout of the project consists of the following components:
- A continuous tidal flood protection barrier completely surrounding the project area, composed of elevated roadways, restored or capped bulkheads, and earthen berms.
- An internal drainage system composed of new storm sewers, swales, improved ditches, pump stations, storage facilities, and restored/constructed wetlands.
- Tide gates designed to keep high tidal waters out of the drainage system while maintaining intertidal flows during average tides to support wetland health.
More information on this and other flood mitigation projects is available at CrisfieldFloodMitigation.com. If you are a part of a Crisfield organization that would like to receive a presentation about this project, please contact jmerritt@crisfieldcityhall.com.
Application for 5% match to the FEMA Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project
The City of Crisfield has applied for $1,905,814 to the Maryland Department of Environment Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program to provide 5% match to the FEMA Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project application. Award notifications are anticipated by June of 2024. This application for State funds to match the federal flood mitigation application are crucial to the City to reduce the debt needed to fund the match for this project. Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP) assisted the City with this application.
Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund
Crisfield has applied for a $5 million loan for the matching funds required for the Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund. This loan has a 0.5% interest rate. Crisfield has applied for this loan as this is the best rate available for a loan to match the grant.
The City will continue to seek additional State funds to match the Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project and reduce the financial burden to Crisfield, but the availability of this very low interest rate loan is anticipated to make it possible for this project to take place. The Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund prioritize access to mitigation projects, which have been shown to save $6 in future recovery costs for every $1 spent on them, on average.
In addition, the City of Crisfield has applied for a $250,000 for the improvement and elevation of the City Dock, which will increase the storm and sea level rise resistance of this structure.
Stormwater (ditch) system maintenance plan
The City of Crisfield will continue to work with FEMA BRIC Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) for the next year and a half. With the Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project grant application developed and submitted, and the Northern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project on track for submission this winter, the team has begun work on a stormwater system maintenance plan.
The City of Crisfield has a stormwater maintenance system based primarily on open ditches. This system was developed in the 1930s under the Civilian Conservation Corps and has become quite disjointed over time, with new ditches being dug and older ditches being filled in. Ditches are no longer adequately sloped or correctly connecting. The Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative recently mapped Crisfield’s ditches, the first time that such a project has occurred. This map can be found at crisfieldfloodmitigation.com/map.
The City of Crisfield is working with FEMA BRIC DTA, the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative, the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP), the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, and plans to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to identify ways to improve the current stormwater system and stormwater maintenance program, including program funding, connectivity and sloping of the ditches, as well as a maintenance schedule.
Adequately functioning ditches and tide gates are important to prevent nuisance floods, but can only prevent flooding to 1.75 feet, when water from the Bay becomes higher than the land flooding the ditches and tide gates. Stormwater system maintenance is needed alongside the Southern and Northern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Projects, which will protect against incoming Bay water of up to 5 feet above sea level, in order to significantly reduce flooding in the City.
Tide gates and Stormwater Pumping Stations
The engineering firm BayLand has been selected to design tide gates and two stormwater pumping stations as well as conduct the bidding for the construction phase of this project. Stormwater pumping stations will be located at Broadway & 8th and the Norris Harbor Drive intersection with Gerald Ditch. Tide gates will be located at 7th St, Cove St, Somerset Ave Extended, Woodson School, Broad Street & Lumber, and Broad Street & 9th Street.
Design and construction of this project are funded by $1,379,474 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds combined with 10% match and $92,274 remaining in Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) funds.
The design and permitting for this process will be completed by January of 2025. Eight months of permitting and review time is estimated as part of this process. Construction is estimated to take six months once the design, review, and permitting are completed, with the project completed in mid-2025. The project is currently nearing 50% design and will be reviewed by the City of Crisfield at this phase.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has partnered with George Mason University (GMU), the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC), and the EPA Office of Research and Development (EPA ORD) to bring flood adaptation support to Crisfield. TNC has been working with key stakeholders in the community for the past two years to develop community resilience goals along developing a decision-making framework. A project screening of the video On Water’s Edge and discussion was held Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Crisfield Library, 100 Collins Street. The video will be available for viewing soon at crisfieldfloodmitigation.com.
The team from TNC, GMU, EFC and EPA ORD has also been working closely with the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) team to support the development of the BRIC application for flooding resilience. The preliminary report from this project, as well as modeling performed by George Mason University, was used in the Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation application. A final report of the project’s assessment results, flood maps, and other deliverables will be available in early 2024. For more information, please contact TNC Project Leads Liz Van Dolah (e.r.vandolah@tnc.org) or Joe Galarraga (joseph.galarraga@tnc.org).
The Maryland/DC Chapter of the Nature Conservancy has committed to contributing $200,000 towards the match requirement for the FEMA Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project. The proposed project aligns with TNC’s coastal program’s mission of enhancing resilience for vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change. These funds will be used towards the design of green infrastructure elements proposed in the application by the City of Crisfield. TNC anticipates co-creating these designs through several community engagement workshops that will also serve as educational opportunities regarding green infrastructure best management practices for interested community members.
Announcement for U.S. EPA’s Natural Spaces Discussions for Crisfield Residents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held discussions April 20, 2024 at the Tidal Health Alice B. Tawes Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with residents of Crisfield and the surrounding area to learn how people use and feel about Crisfield’s natural coastal spaces. The discussions are part of a research effort to identify the potential impacts and benefits of nature-based strategies on the Crisfield community, such as marsh restoration, living shorelines, seagrass restoration, sand dune restoration, oyster reefs and artificial reefs. For more information on the project visit www.epa.gov/water-research/coastal-community-resilience-research.
Fire Station and Emergency Shelter
The City of Crisfield submitted requests to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Harris for $1.8 million in USDA Rural Development funding for a Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project (also known as an “earmark”). This funding would serve to begin the process of building a new Fire Station and Emergency Shelter, including a Feasibility Study to provide Engineering/Architectural services, mitigate non-tidal wetlands, and contract an architectural firm to provide bid-ready construction documents, and install building infrastructure to include sewer and water lines. The current Crisfield Fire Station was built in 1960.
The timeline for CDS funds is as follows: Senate Appropriations releases funding bills with earmarks that were selected, typically in August. Consolidated funding bill is agreed on by Congress and signed into law with Senate and House earmarks, typically in late December.
Earmark funding is likely distributed by federal agencies in early 2025. If funded, this project will require a 25% local match, or approximately $450,000 in local funds.
Armory Updates
The City of Crisfield submitted requests to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Harris for $500,000 through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund for the restoration of the Armory at 8 E Main Street in Crisfield, Maryland. This project will preserve the historic Armory and provide a community space and event venue. It was the main community gathering space in Crisfield until it was flooded during Super Storm Sandy in 2012. The Crisfield Armory is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is located in the national historic district. As stated in the National Register of Historic Places nomination, “The Crisfield Armory was built in 1927 to house Company L, Third Battalion, 115th Infantry of the 29th Division. To express appreciation to the men returning from World War I, the County (Somerset) established a commission headed by citizens and the local American Legion to establish an armory. After reorganizations, Company L re-emerged as the 1229th Transportation Company.” Honors were bestowed for their service, including in D-Day.The Armory rehabilitation is underway, with the Department of Housing and Community Development funding a total of $1.25 million, and a Rural Maryland Council grant of $64,250. The asbestos has been removed, and the restoration of the exterior of the building is almost completed.
This project will bring the exterior of the Armory to complete renovation by rehabilitation of the grand ramp that serves as the access to the main entrance of the building, which is on the second story. These funds will also complete the current phase of the building’s rehabilitation, which is the combined mold remediation and HVAC installation.
Housing and Community Resource Coordinator
The City of Crisfield, Maryland, warmly welcomes Housing and Community Resource Coordinator Dominique Parks, a dedicated professional with a background in social work and a loving mother of two, as the newest addition to the City’s team. Dominique brings a wealth of experience, empathy and community-focused perspective to her role. The City’s new position of Housing & Community Resource Coordinator is funded through a Department of Housing and Community Development Operating Assistance Grant and reports to the Grant Administrator.
The City of Crisfield is seeking residents who are interested in participating in Crisfield’s Low Income Housing Initiative. This program requires participation in a free homebuyer education program which provides essential knowledge for navigating the home buying process. To register for this program or to make an appointment with the Housing Coordinator, please contact Dominique at (443)-269-8904 or (410)-968-1333 ext. 17 or dparks@crisfieldcityhall.com. The Housing & Community Resource Coordinator will be available for appointments during her office hours at Crisfield City Hall, 319 W. Main Street, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 am to 2 pm. After-business-hours appointments are available upon request. The Housing Coordinator will host office hours at the Crisfield Library, 100 Collins Street, once a month starting Monday April 22 from 11 am -2 pm.
Low Income Housing Initiative
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)’s Community Legacy grant has awarded the City of Crisfield funds for the Crisfield Low Income Housing Initiative which includes $75,00 to demolish six derelict homes that were provided by Somerset County to the City of Crisfield for this project. These homes had become property of the County through property tax sales. Once the properties are demolished the City will partner with the Eastern Shore Long-Term Recovery Committee (ESLTRC), local contractors, and other non-profit organizations to build houses for our low-income residents who qualify.
The City of Crisfield has received approval for demolition on these properties from the Critical Area Commission and has submitted the required documents for review by the Maryland Historic Trust. Upon approval from the Maryland Historical Trust, a Request for Proposals process will be conducted to identify a contractor for demolition of the derelict homes.
Project Restore 2.0
The City of Crisfield will be applying for $300,000 through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Project Restore 2.0 which activates vacant buildings, supports small businesses, creates jobs, improves commercial corridors, and increases local economic activity by providing financial support to place-based economic development organizations working to improve the vitality of Maryland’s commercial corridors. If awarded, the City will distribute funds to selected small businesses.
Watermen’s Park Planning Grant
The City has applied for a Technical Assistance Grant through the Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns(G3) grant to convert the City parking lot near the dock to a park. The project will result in a report detailing park planning and a proof-of-concept design that will be used to apply for engineering funds. Announcements on awards of this funding are expected in June.
Lead Service Line Inventory
The City of Crisfield worked with SERCAP to complete an application for $85,000 for a Lead Line Inventory through the Maryland Department of the Environment Drinking Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement. Award notifications are anticipated by June of 2024. The Revised EPA Lead and Copper Rule/Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) requires a lead service inventory be developed and submitted by October 16, 2024.
SERCAP’s Regional Program provides training, technical, and financial assistance to rural communities, water/wastewater treatment facilities, public and private utilities, public service authorities (PSAs), planning district commissions (PDCs), etc. to support water/wastewater infrastructure projects, community development, and economic development. SERCAP’s technical assistance (TA) helps rural communities and water/wastewater systems to build capacity, become self-sustaining, and achieve or maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Interpretive sign
DHCD has funded $10,000 for an interpretive sign to be located at 333 W Main Street. This is the site of a former historic building which was a notable survivor of the 1928 Crisfield fire. If you have photos of 333 W Main Street, please contact hross@crisfieldcityhall.com. A Request for Proposals for creation of the sign will be available soon.
Façade and Business Improvement Program
The City of Crisfield has been awarded a grant by the Department of Housing and Community Development Community Legacy program for $75,000 to fund façade improvements for five businesses. The Façade and Business Improvement Program in Crisfield is designed to offer grants to business and property owners in Crisfield to assist them with outside façade improvements.
Two informational meetings were offered for potential business applicants in February. There were 8 participants in attendance. As of the March 14, 2024 application deadline, there were 5 applicants with 8 different projects. All applications were initially screened for completeness and feasibility and all 8 projects are currently being reviewed by the Façade Review Committee in order to determine the 5 awards. Awardees will be announced in late May.
Crisfield City Dock Repairs and Improvements
City Dock Community Project Funding Request Approved
Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for federally-funded improvements to the Crisfield City Dock were advanced by Congressman Andy Harris and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and in their respective committees were recently signed into law. $2,003,532 for the project was included in the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD)Appropriations Committee Subcommittee Bill.
City Dock MDEM Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan
The City of Crisfield has applied to MDEM Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund for a $250,000 loan towards the improvement and elevation of the City Dock, which will increase the storm and sea level rise resiliency of this structure.
DNR Waterways Improvement Fund
The replacement and elevation of the southeast pier of the City Dock has been completed. $250,000 was received through two grants ($90,000 and $160,000) from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to fund this project.
The City of Crisfield has applied for $250,000 from the DNR Waterways Improvement Fund for Fiscal Year 2025 to improve and elevate the northwest pier of the City Dock. The City will receive notification if this project has been awarded around July 1, 2024.
Bond Bill Sponsored by Senator Mary Beth Carozza
The City of Crisfield is grateful to Senator Mary Beth Carroza for sponsoring a $100,000 bond bill towards planning for future improvements for the Crisfield City Dock. These funds will be used towards planning that will create an even more inviting space for residents and the community, as well as preparing the dock to host large events. The signed grant agreement has been received for this project. A Request for Proposals to identify a consultant to lead this process is anticipated soon. This design phase will result in a document that will be used for funding proposals to implement a vision for the City Dock as an event venue. The Waterfront Development Committee led by Councilman Eric Banks has been meeting to identify next steps.
Main Street Revitalization
A Congressionally Directed Spending request for $500,000 for a Main Street Revitalization and Resiliency Business Incubator was advanced to the Senate Appropriations by Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen, and has been included in the Interior bill in the Senate, which has been signed into law.
Funds will help revitalize a 339 West Main Street, a City-owned building. The rehabilitation of the building will serve as an anchor to redevelop and drive economic activity to the rest of Main Street. Located in the Historic District and built in 1928, this building features intricate brickwork and large windows. A Main Street Revitalization Committee has been formed to help determine an approach for revitalizing what was considered ‘uptown Main Street’.
Business Incubator Applications
The City of Crisfield has submitted two Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA) grants to assist with converting 339 West Main Street, the former Gunter Brothers Hardware Store, to a business incubator. This project would leverage the funds made available through the Congressionally Directed Spending. A total of $1.5 million is needed for this building’s rehabilitation. The City submitted two grant applications: $50,000 for the development of a Business Incubator Assessment and Plan and $100,000 for stabilization of exterior of the building.
Wastewater Pumping Stations
The City has three wastewater pump stations located at Cove Street, Rubberset (Sherwin Williams building) and Jersey Island (Norris Harbor Drive). The pumping stations at Cove Street and Rubberset are being replaced using MDE/USDA-RD funds. These projects are funded by MDE & USDA loans and principal forgiveness loans for a total of $4,392,300. These reflect the following costs: Cove Street (MDE funds of $499,300) and Rubberset (MDE funds of $1,850,000) along with USDA-RD funds of $1,293,000 and Jersey Island (MDE funds of $650,000 and Rural Maryland Council funds $110,000).
A bid opening for Cove and Rubberset Pumping Stations was held April 4, 2023. The bids received were higher than expected, and there is a funding shortfall and funding must be identified before the projects can move forward. The City is actively seeking funding for these projects.
The engineering firm Davis Bowen and Friedel is under contract to complete the engineering for the Jersey Island Wastewater Pumping Station. The Preliminary Engineering Report is ongoing with completion estimated soon.
1936 Sanitary Sewer Investigation and Rehabilitation Phase II
The 1936 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project (Chesapeake Environmental Services, LLC) investigation portion is complete with most lines requiring lining however a few lines showed significant issues such as large holes and may require full replacement. Prior to full replacement, grouting of the holes may be possible followed by lining and is being further investigated. The contractor is currently in Crisfield and the project will be done by the end of April.
It Takes A Village to Help Our Children, Inc Youth Center
It Takes A Village to Help Our Children, Inc. raised a total of $2.52 million in funding towards a youth center. The City Council voted to approve JBC Construction of Princess Anne as the contractor for It Takes a Village to complete 3,000 square feet of finished space with a Use and Occupancy permit and 4,000 square feet of unfinished space for a total of $2.2 million. It Takes a Village and Owner’s Representative/Construction Management Consultant Visions International MD, LLC will work with the City of Crisfield to expend the $701,606 remaining in grant funding for the project from the Department of Housing and Community Development City grant towards the 3,000 square foot finished building.
Police Department Projects in Progress
The City of Crisfield Police Department received a $3,000 grant from the Maryland Criminal Investigative Network (MCIN) sponsored by the Maryland State Police to be used for Drug Initiatives with the Task Force.
The Crisfield Police Department is the recipient of a $5,000 Bayshore Coalition Community Grant to be used for Drug and Alcohol compliance.
