Dewey talks resiliency plan, FEMA audits
The Dewey Beach Resiliency and Sustainability Committee is gaining momentum in developing a resiliency plan relating to climate change and flood risk.
At a Feb. 5 meeting, committee members discussed finalizing a contractor for the plan, phasing the project and identifying potential funding sources.
They already narrowed down the selection to two potential candidates, George, Miles & Buhr and Straughan Environmental. A representative from each firm presented to town officials in December, speaking about possible approaches to the project, short-term and long-term goals, and timelines.
The candidates said they were willing to work together on the project, but the committee decided it’d be easier and more affordable to hire just one. Both reportedly showed equal capability to do the project and have worked with the town on other flooding-related projects in the past.
Based on initial cost estimates, the committee leaned toward picking GMB but wanted to get more information before finalizing a recommendation to council.
GMB’s estimate for an initial comprehensive study is about $75,000, while Straughan Environmental provided a range of about $100,000 to $120,000.
Comparing the costs isn’t exactly comparing apples to apples, because the firms’ proposals differed in scope of work, but it still provides some relative insight.
Committee member Kelly Baxter stressed they must consider that some grants they previously thought were possible to attain, especially at the federal level, are no longer viable options.
Commissioner Liaison Gary Persinger said he is not aware of any external funding sources that seem feasible for the study at this time, but the contractors said they would work with the town to help identify available sources.
The town has discussed potentially using money from its infrastructure fund, which currently has a balance of about $800,000, but the use would need to be approved by the infrastructure committee and town council first.
Persinger, Baxter and fellow committee member Liam McDermott volunteered to meet with GMB to discuss the specifics of its proposed scope of work. Once they get more information, they will report back and work with the rest of the committee to develop a final document with a detailed scope of work and cost estimate to present to the town for approval.
They hope to have it ready to present at the Friday, March 20, town council meeting.
David Thomas, a Read Avenue resident, said he appreciates the committee’s efforts to pull together a more specific scope of work.
Thomas came up with a resiliency planning checklist to help the group assess whether the plan meets best practices for the town. He listed 10 matters he believes are important for the town to consider when developing the plan, including starting with data-driven vulnerability assessments, integrating with state and federal partners early, and using a transparent and competitive request-for-proposal process.
He also urged committee members to attend the 10th annual Delaware Resilient and Sustainable Communities League Summit in March in Dover, where community members, elected officials, nonprofits and other stakeholders from across the state will unite to share strategies for enhancing environmental resilience. The summit will address issues like climate change, flooding and sustainable development, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to prepare for environmental challenges.
“If there’s any place you’re going to find out about funding [for the plan], it’s going to be at the RASCL Summit,” Thomas said.
The committee plans to send at least one member to the summit.
Upcoming NFIP and CRS audits
The town has recently started the National Flood Insurance Program compliance audit process, and the Community Rating System audit is quickly approaching too.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency conducts these audits to ensure communities properly enforce floodplain management standards.
Persinger said the town has made a lot of progress since the last audits were completed, and town officials anticipate its scores to improve as a result.
Developing an up-to-date town resiliency plan is just one step they’re taking to keep the town safe and in compliance with FEMA.
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
