The National Park Service (NPS) held a virtual public scoping meeting on Tuesday, July 19 for the development of an Environmental Assessment for a proposed project to repair and rehabilitate the seawalls around the Tidal Basin and in West Potomac Park. Following the meeting, comments may be submitted on the project website starting July 19 through September 12.
In the years since their construction, the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park seawalls have significantly settled and been compromised, leading to overtopping of the seawalls in some sections twice a day during normal tidal conditions and the water does not dissipate in a timely manner due to poor drainage. Under the proposed project, portions of the failing Tidal Basin seawall north and south of the Inlet Bridge, as well as the West Potomac Park seawall, would be reconstructed using modern concrete and stone veneer technology that will increase durability and maintain the historic character. The sidewalk on top of the seawall along the Tidal Basin will be replaced and regraded to provide smoother, more accessible connections to other pathways. New, stronger foundations will be able to support height extensions of the wall if it is needed due to future rising sea levels orer incasing storm surge elevations.
– National Parks Service
Comments may also be submitted in writing to:
National Mall and Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20024
ATTN: Seawall Rehabilitation
Comments must be entered into the website or postmarked by September 12, 2022 to receive consideration.
Courtesy – National Parks Service
