A major renovation of seawalls along Washington’s Tidal Basin and a nearby stretch of the Potomac River began Thursday with the goal of reducing tidal flooding and protecting visitors.
The National Park Service has committed $113 million to raise and strengthen low seawalls around the basin and in West Potomac Park, heavily visited areas that flood during daily high tides. The work is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, approved by Congress in 2020.
“This vital seawall project will eliminate hazards, improve accessibility, and ensure long-term protection of this world-famous setting that attracts millions of visitors each year,” NPS Director Chuck Sams said in a statement Thursday.
The current seawall is over 100 years old and has sunk by more than 5 feet in some places, making the area vulnerable to storm surges and rising sea levels. NPS said the new seawall sections will resist rising tides for at least a century.
