PLEASE COMMENT on a New Berth for the Overfalls!
4/3/2009
The Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation has been notified by DelDOT that our project to build the permanent berth for the Overfalls lightship has been added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in anticipation of the Federal Stimulus Package. But the project will not be officially funded unless and until it survives the public comment process which ends 5/4/09. Governor Markell announced the Overfalls project, along with other Delaware state projects, today. We were informed by DelDOT that the public comment period is very important and other projects have been eliminated as a result of negative comments received without counterbalancing positive comments showing support. Please take a few minutes and forward your support for our project directly to Darrell Cole, DelDOT Director of Public Relations, by emailing: Darrel.cole@state.de.us or in writing: 800 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19903, on or before 5/4/09.
Below is the press release which went out today:
OVERFALLS TO BUILD NEW BERTH WITH STIMULUS MONEY - LEWES, DE--- The Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation was notified today by Governor Jack Markell and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) that a project to build a new berth for the Lightship Overfalls meets all the criteria to receive funding through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $400,000 allocation will be used to build a new berth for the recently renovated 70 year old lightship, in downtown Lewes. The lightship, which serves as a floating museum, embodies all four objectives of the Foundation’s mission --- to collect, preserve, honor, and teach the region’s maritime history.
Aside from meeting all the federal criteria required, the project was added to DelDOT’s priority list because it will create jobs and assist with the economic revitalization of the local area. However, as required by federal law, DelDOT must inform the public of amendments to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), for which this project qualifies. DelDOT is currently accepting public comments on this project through May 4, 2009, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance.
The Overfalls is currently at Colonna Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia where the final work to rebuild its hull was recently completed. She is due to return to Lewes next month. The shipyard work saves the historic Lewes icon for the community and the nation. The lightship was the last one built by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1938. The ship was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and is one of only 7 in the country open to the public. Once the new berth is built, the Overfalls will be the centerpiece of the new Lewes Canalfront Park and a valuable tool for teaching the region’s maritime history. A further benefit of the berth will be improved water quality in the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal as the new bulkheading will stabilize the banks and stop the erosion that promotes run-off into the canal.
The lightship owes its new life to many volunteers and financial contributors. More than 15,000 volunteer hours were spent restoring the interior of the ship with an additional 15,000 volunteer hours on a variety of other activities needed to facilitate the renovation. The citizens of Lewes, the State of Delaware, national and statewide foundations embraced the importance of saving the heritage tourist attraction and over the years have contributed funding to make it possible. The project was brought to the Department’s attention by State Representative Joe Booth and State Senator Gary Simpson. Construction of the new berth will start this summer. The project will provide immediate employment to construction workers, building contractors and landscape architects. The project has also received strong support from Mayor Ford and the City of Lewes. The City will handle the bid process and administer the funds.
Go Back
