DEWEY BEACH, Del. - On Wednesday, October 8th, at the Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee meeting, two engineering companies made presentations for ways to help flood mitigation and drainage on the street. The town says it has tested different drainage systems in the past, but nothing worked.
Bill Zolper, the Dewey Beach Town Manager explained to CoastTV, "What we're looking at is several different options." Zolper continued, "One is putting flaps back in, one is putting another barrier around the storm drain pipes themselves, and a third one is actually putting a pump station in that will help elevate the water when its on the street."
The town says finding a solution for the flooding problem is a challenge because the bayside of Read Avenue only sits about a foot above sea level.
One man who lives on Read Avenue said flooding is the worst during the fall season, but this fall was the worst he's experienced while living on the street.
"We worry that it's just going to keep getting worse, and again we're not worried that the water is going to flood our home because we're elevated but it does get the the point were you could have damage to your car, and again your services," explained Drew Martin. "You're trying to get your packages delivered, your mail delivered, or your trash picked up, and the trucks won't come down the street because they're too flooded."
After the meeting today, the town selected RV Engineering present the project to the Board of Commissioners. The link to the company's project proposal can be found here. The Commissioners will then decide the future of the project in December.