The Town of Milton and DNREC have teamed up to create a shoreline stabilization design for Memorial Park and the associated southern shoreline of the Broadkill River near the town’s emergency services offices.

The Town of Milton, in Sussex County, has its historic roots embedded at the headwaters of the tidal reach of the Broadkill River. The settlement was initially founded in 1763 with the community flourishing in the 18th century and reaching its status as an incorporated town in 1863.

The result of the project was a preliminary design, which will be updated based on feedback received as the town works through a review and eventually a permitting process.

The Broadkill River

The Broadkill River is central to the identity, history, character and economic wellbeing of the town of Milton. Milton’s protected inland location provided security from ocean storms, and it was secure from the pirate and foreign naval attacks that plagued Delaware’s bay-front towns in the early centuries, making it ideal for industry to flourish.

In later years, access to sources of lumber and locally-raised farm products made Milton a port central to the developing and prosperous shipping community.

The river facilitated the development of several mills, resulting in streams being impounded to create the millponds.

Today, the Broadkill River is one of the town’s greatest assets, along with its Historic District and its traditional downtown. The town’s relationship with the river is symbolized by its Memorial Park, which includes a boat ramp and six boat slips, as well as open space, a playground, a bandstand and miniature train.

The park hosts many of the town’s ongoing traditional gatherings, including concerts, annual Festivals and water activities.

Flooding Risks

While considered Milton’s greatest natural asset, the Broadkill River also poses a significant threat and challenge to the area adjacent to the river.

Throughout its history, the town center of Milton has been subjected to frequent flooding by the Broadkill River, as a result of hurricane storm surges that push water up the river from the Delaware Bay to the east and inundation of the Wagamon’s watershed after heavy rainfall from the west.

Tides clearly impact the extent and severity of flooding in Milton. Thus, recurring flooding impacts have an extremely detrimental influence on funding, maintaining and replacing vital components of the Town’s operation.

Related Topics:  climate coastal energy, coastal programs, resilient communities, sea level rise, shoreline stabilization