The Perkiomen Project

In the past decade, dozens of large storms and extreme weather events have passed through Pennsylvania causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, costing millions of public and private dollars to repair and reopen. One of the more devastating storms was Hurricane Ida (2021) which quickly dumped five to ten inches of rain in southeastern PA. This led to massive floods throughout the region and caused the USGS gage on the Perkiomen Creek at Graterford to max out at 24 feet. The final estimate for the day was 26.5 feet; flood stage begins at 11 feet.

While the cost of this flooding from Hurricane Ida is estimated to be over $100 million in Pennsylvania alone, within the Perkiomen Watershed, two people died and 75 homes were destroyed. Historical data tells us that these types of weather events are not only more common as witnessed in the past 20 years but are predicted to be more damaging and more deadly in the years to come.

Pennsylvania must take steps now to prevent future flooding and mitigate future risks. The Perkiomen Project, started by Representative Webster, brings together 4 counties and dozens of municipalities to study the entirety of the Perkiomen Watershed to create a comprehensive analysis of flooding along the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries. The mapping and data will then be able to identify areas at most risk of flooding and what mitigation efforts need to be implemented.

Flooding devastation after Hurricane Ida, September 1, 2021. 

Perkiomen Watershed Tour

In March 2024, Rep. Webster was joined by the Acting Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Jessica Shirley, her staff, Majority Leader Representative Matt Bradford, and Montgomery County Planning Commission official Drew Shaw to tour the lower Perkiomen watershed and speak with some of the people who were directly impacted by Ida and who continue to face challenges regarding flooding. 

The tour heard from officials from the Collegeville Borough, Schwenksville Borough, and Montgomery County, as well as staff from Providence Place and the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

Press Announcements & Articles

The Mercury: State and Montgomery County officials designate $1 million grant to launch Perkiomen Watershed initiative

Rep. Webster: Perkiomen Watershed Initiative Phase One Event

What’s Next?

Montgomery County will be releasing a Request for Proposals in the coming weeks to select a consulting team to conduct the study. The Steering Committee, made up of the four county planning commissions and conservation district personnel, has met and will direct the overall study. The Advisory Committee, made up of municipal and business community members, will act as liaisons between their communities and the overall study team to ensure that data can be collected and information distributed throughout the 362 square mile watershed.

The results of the Perkiomen Project should provide meaningful stormwater mitigation solutions that all communities, from the headwaters to the confluence with the Schuylkill River, can implement. Excitingly, these mitigation efforts are expected to include both green and gray infrastructure updates, allowing for multiple options for our municipalities to reduce flooding and create flood resiliency. 

Make sure to check back here for future updates!

Resources

U.S. Geological Survey – Perkiomen Creek at Graterford

National Weather Service – Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, Perkiomen Creek at Graterford