Wilmington seeks feedback on environmental assessment for Riverfront Transportation Infrastructure Project

Wilmington seeks feedback on environmental assessment for Riverfront Transportation Infrastructure Project  Delaware First Media

Wilmington seeks feedback on environmental assessment for Riverfront Transportation Infrastructure Project

The City of Wilmington Seeks Feedback on Environmental Assessment for Riverfront Transportation Infrastructure Project

The City of Wilmington and various stakeholders are inviting the public to provide feedback on the environmental assessment for the Wilmington Riverfront Transportation Infrastructure Project. This project aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the South Market Street Riverfront East area, with the goal of enhancing connectivity and providing multi-modal resources. The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Background

The City of Wilmington secured a $17 million federal grant for this project, which necessitates the submission of an environmental assessment to the Federal Highway Administration. The assessment evaluates the potential effects of the project on various socioeconomic, cultural, natural, and other environmental resources. It covers aspects such as hazardous materials, noise, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, restored structures, archaeology, wetlands, environmental justice, and groundwater hydrology.

Measuring Anticipated Effects

City Economic Development Director Sean Park explains that the environmental assessment provides a detailed list of the anticipated effects and measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate any impact. Concerns such as traffic, noise, questions regarding the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process, impact on local wildlife, improvements to alleviate flooding, and the project’s timeline are all taken into account.

Infrastructure Improvements

The project aims to rehabilitate and create effective stormwater management. Proposed plans include the addition of drainage outfalls, tide control valves, and two feet of clean fill beneath the transportation improvements. Additionally, the existing bulkhead will be repaired, and a new one will be constructed. The project also includes the development of new pedestrian and cyclist accommodations that connect to existing pathways, promoting sustainable modes of transportation and supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Public Engagement

Residents are encouraged to view the environmental assessment and provide their feedback by May 1. The assessment can be accessed and public comments can be submitted at riverfronteastconnect.com. Public engagement is crucial in ensuring that the project aligns with the community’s needs and values, as well as the SDGs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
      • Indicator: The project proposes transportation infrastructure improvements for the South Market Street Riverfront East area to foster connectivity of the riverfront area and provide multi-modal resources.
  2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

    • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
      • Indicator: The project aims to rehabilitate and create effective stormwater management, including adding drainage outfalls, tide control valves, and two feet of clean fill beneath proposed transportation improvements.
      • Indicator: Other improvements include new pedestrian and cyclist accommodations that connect to existing pathways.
  3. SDG 13: Climate Action

    • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
      • Indicator: The assessment evaluates effects on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality.
      • Indicator: The project includes improvements to alleviate flooding in the area.
  4. SDG 15: Life on Land

    • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems
      • Indicator: The assessment evaluates effects on wetlands and local wildlife.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure The project proposes transportation infrastructure improvements for the South Market Street Riverfront East area to foster connectivity of the riverfront area and provide multi-modal resources.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all The project aims to rehabilitate and create effective stormwater management, including adding drainage outfalls, tide control valves, and two feet of clean fill beneath proposed transportation improvements. Other improvements include new pedestrian and cyclist accommodations that connect to existing pathways.
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters The assessment evaluates effects on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality. The project includes improvements to alleviate flooding in the area.
SDG 15: Life on Land Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems The assessment evaluates effects on wetlands and local wildlife.

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Source: delawarepublic.org

 

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