The City of Crisfield has secured over $36 million in federal funding for a flood mitigation project to protect the southern part of the city. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant will support the Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project, which aims to reduce the impact of tide and flood water entering the city while quickly removing it during storms. Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor expressed her excitement about the project: “The notification of our Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation project award is nothing short of phenomenal! Believing this was possible and having it come to fruition is simply amazing.
This is when the real work begins…”
The project, currently in the concept phase, includes plans for a tidal flood protection barrier, an internal drainage system, and tide gates to protect against flooding in the Somerset County city. The city collaborated with FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) to develop the application for the funds.
Crisfield flood mitigation funding secured
Studies conducted by The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with George Mason University, the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center, and the EPA Office of Research and Development, also contributed to the project’s development. City officials have assured that the public will have opportunities to provide input on the project before construction begins in 2026. Crisfield also plans to apply for funding for the Northern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project in the fall.
The flood mitigation project is expected to protect the south side of Crisfield from flooding up to 3.5 feet. The city’s official channels and website provide more information on this project and other flood mitigation efforts in Crisfield.
