BUSINESS
THE ANATOMY OF A FLOOD
How Carroll Creek ’ s Flood Control Project Protects Downtown Frederick
Flooding in Frederick in 1972 was the result of Hurricane Agnes , and was classified as a 100-year flood in the Carroll Creek drainage basin . “ In these types of events , first Carroll Creek floods ,” City of Frederick Director of Public Works Zack Kershner said . “ The drainage area to Carroll Creek is relatively small , so it floods pretty quickly , within six or seven hours .” Then , the Monocacy River rises and floods 15 – 20 hours later and backs up into the city . “ And that ’ s what causes the tremendous damage ,” Kershner said .
the project , and it is expected to have an ongoing impact . Private investment and redevelopment along the newly developed banks of the creek and beyond will continue to transform Frederick . More than $ 100 million in new and renovated private construction is planned , bringing new jobs and increased local and state tax revenues .
The Carroll Creek flood control project was designed to protect the downtown area and buildings . Near the Bell Tower in Baker Park , there is an approximately 550-foot weir wall that is set at an elevation to help control flooding . When the water reaches a certain level , it spills over the wall and flows into four large conduits . The conduits , or tunnels , safely carry the water under the city and deposit it east of town . Each conduit is large enough to drive a dump truck through it . The maze of tunnels has storm drain connectors , flapper valves , and other systems to protect the city from flooding .
Before the project , Downtown Frederick had a large floodplain running through the heart of the downtown on both sides of Carroll Creek . Today , the project is so successful that properties in Downtown Frederick were removed from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) flood map .
“ Carroll Creek Park is a destination ,” said Frederick Mayor Randy McClement . It was created so people have a place to gather and connect . If they visit Carroll Creek Park , he said , “ They ’ re going to see the charm and character of the rest of our town .”
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For more information about the Carroll Creek Park , watch the video , “ Carroll Creek Park : 40 Years ” at http :// bit . ly / carrollcreek40years .
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