ELKTON —
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin met today with members of the Cecil County Commission, Elkton Mayor Joe Fisona, and Robert Pace with the Army Corps of Engineers for a briefing and tour of the Big Elk Creek floodplain.

The Big Elk Creek area is prone to periodic flooding that cuts off access to the south portion of town, inundating businesses and residences in the affected area.
  According to the State Highway Administration, the clean up of the debris from the Delaware Bridge alone totals approximately $100,000 a year.

The Elkton floodplain is located along parts of Big Elk Creek and Little Elk Creek.
  The town of Elkton is subject to fluvial flooding from heavy runoff originating upstream and from high tides along the Elk River during heavy storms.
 
  

The Senator, who is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, toured three sites:

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Delaware Ave. Bridge – for a complete view of the entire floodplain

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Howard Street, from Delaware Bridge to South Bridge Street – Howard St. is often underwater during floods; and,

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South Bridge Street Commercial District – Senator Cardin met with local business owners for an overview of the flood problem and how it affects local businesses.

“I believe we have the technology and resources to protect communities such as Elkton from the destruction of yearly flooding,” said Senator Cardin.
  “As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am committed to working with Elkton officials and the Army Corps to provide better protection for Elkton.”

The Army Corps of Engineers has recommended instituting two separate flood damage reduction measures for Big Elk Creek.
  It has recommended implementing stream restoration and realignment techniques and flood-proofing techniques for various structures along Bridge Street on the Left Bank of Big Elk Creek.