From floods to fishing: $650,000 project will control flooding and offer ADA fishing

A state $344,000 grant will help pay for a $650,000 project for stream bank restoration, buffers and flood control along Pine Creek in Hampton.

The work is planned for the creek near the intersection of Wildwood-Sample Road and Sample Road.

The project also includes installation of a boardwalk to allow disabled anglers to access Pine Creek, which the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks with trout. The township will also add a pavilion, debris catcher, retention pond and more.

The state Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded the $344,000 grant.

“We are ecstatic to get the grant money,” said Chris Lochner, Hampton manager.

The project will reduce flooding in one of the more flood-prone areas of the township. During heavy rainfall, the intersection floods. The aftermath of hurricanes have caused damage to a daycare and a bridge, he said. The project provides more protection to the Sample Road during heavy rains and will prevent contaminants from entering the creek when there’s high water.

“We’re very pleased to hear we have been funded, and we will tackle that project next year,” Lochner said.

The project provides another important benefit: The retention pond and other improvements will reduce the velocity and volume of water during heavy rains, preventing high-water damage downstream, Lochner said.

A bridge over Pine Creek near the intersection has washed away twice in the last several decades, Lochner said.

“The proposed project will be a great asset to the Hampton community and the entire Pine Creek Watershed,” said Joel Papcunik​​, PVE project manager, which is working with the township on the project.

“It will provide storage area for floodplain reconnection, stream bank stabilization, and many riparian buffer plantings,” he said.

Because of frequent flooding, Hampton bought about 7.5 acres at the intersection two years ago. The township wanted the site for water retention and to greatly reduce flooding downstream.

When the township met with DEP representatives at the site to go over the project, an Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club member was there and asked if the township could erect a boardwalk for disabled anglers to access Pine Creek, Lochner said.

Now that request is part of the project and will benefit area residents, he said.