PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards Thursday released a Paxton Creek Restoration Master Plan to deal with flooding near the City of Harrisburg Transportation Center in Dauphin County.

The Master Plan was released in connection with a development plan for the Harrisburg Transportation Center.

The Paxton Creek study outlines potential steps to modify the channel size and make other improvements that would take 133 acres out of the 100-year flood plain and partially remove an additional 275 acres.

These steps would mean development on these tracts would not be required to have flood insurance and would make it much more attractive to developers.

The Paxton Creek plan also envisions enhancing the creek area with recreational paths and restoring the area to a much more natural, inviting environment.

The next step is to create a comprehensive implementation team that will undertake detailed field surveys, hydrologic analysis, and preliminary design to confirm project feasibility and acquire the necessary federal and state permits.

“These projects will provide exciting opportunities for development in the City of Harrisburg, and for enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with PennDOT on projects that will benefit not only Harrisburg residents but the entire region.”

The estimated cost to deliver the creek improvements is roughly $60 million to $90 million and it will take at least four to five years of work before construction could begin. Funding sources could include grants from the state Multimodal Fund, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Public Meeting

PennDOT will hold a public meeting on the Paxton Creek and Transportation Center plans on March 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Harrisburg Train Station, 4th and Chestnut Streets.

Click Here for copies of both Plans.

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[Posted: March 15, 2018]

3/19/2018