MILTON, Del. — The Town of Milton is seeking to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pursue a federal grant aimed at addressing flooding, storm damage and erosion along local waterways.
In a formal letter sent to the Army Corps' Philadelphia District office, Milton requested participation in a Section 8103 study under the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. The program allows for federal funding of studies and small-scale projects, up to $15 million, to restore natural shoreline functions, reduce storm hazards and stabilize eroding riverbanks.
If accepted, the federal government would fund the feasibility study at 100 percent up to $200,000. Any additional costs would be shared equally between the town and the federal government. Should the study lead to a design and implementation phase, the town would be responsible for 35 percent of those costs.
Milton officials said the grant would support projects aimed at mitigating long-standing water resource issues in the area and help preserve the ecological value of local rivers and shorelines.
Local Bernadette Michaels says Milton needs the help.
"Protecting is most important for the future generations. They're going to inherit. And we want to leave a healthy legacy for our children to be able to, live healthy environments, chemical free and, protect our waterways," said Michaels.
Sarah Goforth agrees, saying "If we can't take care of the environment, what's the point?"
"We have to do something before we completely destroy this beautiful place that we live in," said Goforth.
Lewes has had similar discussions, as the city has drafted a Resiliency Fund to combat coastal climate threats.
Officials will discuss the letter in a Milton Town Council meeting May 5 at 6:30.
