$27 Million Neshaminy Creek Flood Mitigation Program Ends

Mary Johnson remembers the damage and clean up that came following massive storms that caused the Neshaminy Creek to swell its banks and move through her Main Street, Hulmeville home.

Now, Johnson and her husband can rest easier. The utility room in their basement has been raised above the flooding thanks to a $27 million flood mitigation program. The program was paid by most federal funds, but did receive additional money from the state and Bucks County.

Johnson was among several residents and about a dozen dignitaries who announced the close of the program near the banks of the Neshaminy Creek on Bridle Drive in Middletown. The location was picked because it has endured several major floods and it’s residents have benefited from the mitigation program.

The program included 47 property buyouts, 85 home elevations, 37 additions since it began following Hurricane Floyd flooding of the Neshaminy in 1999. The program impacted properties from Buckingham to the Croydon.

Officials spoke proudly of the project, the property owners it helped and the future insurance claims that won’t need to be filed.

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, who was a county commissioner when the program was in the works, was praised by residents and other government officials for his work spearheading the project.

Bucks County Commissioner Charlie Martin recalled the roots of the project which began in the early 1960s with the construction of a series of dams designed to help reduce flooding along the creek.

“It’s great to be here to celebrate a government program that works,” Fitzpatrick said.

Middletown resident Sam Smith said the project had helped him stay in his Periwinkle Avenue home and was a “long time coming.”

“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the people involved,” he said. “This is truly great.”