WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, as part of Congressman Carney’s Climate Change Week, Rep. Carney, Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz and local community members toured flood-prone areas of Southbridge and discussed the effects of flooding on the area. 

 

For decades, the residents and businesses in Wilmington’s historic Southbridge neighborhood have regularly experienced flooding during coastal storms and heavy rainfall events -- flooding that has been exacerbated by an inadequate sewer and drainage system. The neighborhood’s low-lying elevation and proximity to the Christina River also make it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and increasing heavy rainfall events.  This tour is part of a series of events and meetings that Congressman Carney is hosting to learn about the statewide impacts that sea level rise and climate change could have on Delaware and to evaluate potential options.

 

“As a low-lying coastal state, Delaware has to be aware of the impact sea level rise could have on our communities, and take every step we can ahead of time to protect ourselves,” said Congressman Carney.  “When we talk about sea level rise, we usually focus on the beach towns and coastal areas in the southern part of the state.  It’s important to remember that urban areas, like Southbridge, are at risk as well.  Today I visited these communities so that I can better understand the actions that are being taken by citizens, community groups, businesses and governments to solve existing flooding issues and prepare for climate change, and to ensure that the federal government is ready to assist in these efforts.”

 

“Climate change is changing the frequency and intensity of flooding and threatening the vibrancy of our communities across the State of Delaware, as well as, here locally in Southbridge,” said Mayor Williams. “As we meet with citizens and community members, we are focused on working collectively to take strategic actions that will help build communities like Southbridge that are impacted by climate change, into areas of preparedness and resilience.” 

 

Dr. Hanifa Shabazz, City Council Member from the City’s 4th District and Chair of the Council’s Public Works and Transportation Committee, thanked Congressman Carney today for visiting with the community. “Your presence Congressman brings attention to some real concerns such as flooding and the rise in the sea level,” said Shabazz. “But more importantly, you are bringing attention to the work that is underway by the community and the federal, state and City governments to mitigate these environmental problems and set the stage for new development, new recreational areas and greater prosperity for this community. We are fighters in Southbridge! We stand strong as a neighborhood of family and friends, and we stand strong with those who have put forth the time and effort to assist us in dealing with the forces of nature that have created some very difficult situations for us over the years.”

 

The tour of Southbridge followed a Flood Insurance Roundtable held by the Congressman this morning in Leipsic with representatives from FEMA, local Mayors, and members of the community. The Roundtable discussion focused on flood mitigation efforts and concerns regarding flood insurance coverage. In attendance were:   

 

Craig Pugh, Mayor of Leipsic

Glenn Gauvry, Mayor of Little Creek

Jim Bailey, resident of Broadkill Beach

Mike Costello, resident of Kitts Hummock

Sarah Keifer, Kent County Planner

Rich Sabota, FEMA Flood Insurance Rates

Greg Williams and Mike Powell, DNREC

 

 

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Photo Captions:

9012: Congressman Carney (left) takes notes as Glenn Gauvry, Mayor of Little Creek, describes his town’s challenges with the federal flood insurance program.

 

9059: Wilmington Economic Director Jeff Flynn, Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz, Bryan Lennon, Assistance Water Division Director at Wilmington Public Works, Simeon Hahn, Environmental Scientist at NOAA, and Congressman Carney (left to right) visit the urban wetland area near Southbridge and discuss its revitalization as an important component of plans to reduce flooding in the neighborhood.