Flood repair projects in the Gap begin next week

BUSHKILL — On Sept. 8, several major projects will get underway to repair flood-damaged facilities within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. As part of this announcement, Superintendent John J. Donahue stated that “These projects will take us several steps closer to completing the repair and restoration of the facilities and resources damaged by the floods of 2004, 2005, and 2006.” The National Park Service is working in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps (Corps) of Engineers, Philadelphia District to repair the boat and canoe launches at Dingmans Ferry Access, Pennsylvania , and to install a rock fence along NPS 615 in Flatbrookville , N.J. The Corps has worked with the NPS to develop a design to repair the Dingmans Ferry Access boat and canoe launch. The boat launch, currently the only portion in operation, will be repaired and extended through use of articulating concrete block mats. Protection against scouring will also be incorporated. This repair is intended to resolve the issue of scour at the end of the launch, which results in a sharp drop-off and can damage vehicles and boat trailers. The canoe launch, currently closed, will be rehabilitated to provide a loop access and an area for canoes and kayaks to be put in or taken out easily. This will allow canoes and kayaks to be launched without interfering with users of the boat launch. The project is scheduled to begin Sept. 8. During construction, Dingmans Ferry Access will be closed for the safety of the public. The launch will be repaired and opened to the public for the 2010 fishing and boating season. During the closure, people on river trips should carefully review the distances between the available access sites and plan accordingly. Installation of a rock fence along NPS 615 in Flatbrookville , N.J., will also begin on Sept. 8 and will take approximately six weeks to complete; roadway closure will be required. The rock fence will replace the temporary jersey barriers currently in place to prevent falling rocks from impacting the roadway and vehicles. The work area is just north of the intersection of Old Mine Road in Flatbrookville. All traffic will be detoured onto Old Mine Road and Pompey Ridge Road. Businesses along NPS 615 will remain open and will be accessible by using the marked detour route. The New Jersey Wildlife Management Areas will be accessible from the north; however, traffic south of Flatbrookville, all vehicles must follow the marked detour route. Another project is planned to floodproof the comfort stations (restrooms) at Milford Beach , Dingmans Ferry Access, Bushkill Access, and Smithfield Beach. Work is planned to start this fall with a target completion in late May 2010. Three 100-year floods in less than two years demonstrated the need to modify facilities at high visitor use areas to be more resistant to flooding. Renovation of the buildings will incorporate architectural finishes and fixtures that can be easily hosed down after a flood and will replace or modify key electrical and plumbing equipment to be more flood resistant.