Van Hollen, Cardin Announce More Than $1.2 Million for Water Infrastructure in Crisfield

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced an award of $1,241,526 to Crisfield, Maryland to install critical water infrastructure that will help mitigate flooding.

“Crisfield and our other coastal communities on the Eastern Shore rely on effective stormwater management systems to protect their homes and businesses from flooding and other natural disasters. This award will update infrastructure essential to that effort – helping to keep families safe and ensure that local businesses don’t face setbacks,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Environment and Public Works Committees. “We will continue working in Congress to secure additional resources that will help bolster the resiliency of communities along the Eastern Shore.”

“With every flood, families and business owners on the Eastern Shore face the threat of devastation to their homes, their livelihoods and their safety. This funding is an investment in the water infrastructure upgrades that can help prepare and protect them from future emergencies,” said Senator Cardin. “Modernizing our state’s infrastructure and strengthening our resilience to natural disasters will save lives and communities; Team Maryland will continue to prioritize these investments in Congress.” 

The federal funds will allow Crisfield to install 11 tide gates and two pump stations, as well as replace two storm drain culverts. The tide gates will prevent tidal water from flooding into buildings and onto roads; the two new culverts will be larger, allowing for greater capacity; and the pump stations will protect against street flooding during times when high tide prevents water from returning to the Chesapeake Bay.

The funding, authorized under Section 403 of the Stafford Act, comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In October, Senators Van Hollen and Cardin announced $250,000 in Flood Mitigation Assistance grants for the City of Crisfield. They also previously announced funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the City of Crisfield to assess their drainage system and reduce flooding.