(Note from the Editor. Since Hardy County lies downstream of Franklin, pollution reduction programs and efforts are “local” news for downstream communities)
FRANKLIN, W.Va. – The Town of Franklin has been awarded a $604,953 grant through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program to construct a transformative green infrastructure project that will reduce flooding, improve water quality, and strengthen the resilience of downtown Franklin for generations to come.
The funding is part of a watershed-wide investment announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which includes more than $90 million for restoration and clean water projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Town of Franklin Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Resilience Construction Project will transform the Town’s municipally owned parking lot and adjoining sidewalks along Main Street and Spruce Street through the installation of innovative green stormwater infrastructure practices designed to capture, filter, and manage stormwater before it reaches the South Branch of the Potomac River.
Addressing a Longstanding Community Challenge
For years, heavy rainfall has caused localized flooding in downtown Franklin, resulting in flooded streets, parking areas, and water intrusion into nearby businesses. The project directly addresses these documented flooding issues while improving one of the community’s most visible and heavily used public spaces.
The project will include:
Installation of permeable pavers in the Town parking lot.
Construction of underground Silva Cell systems that allow stormwater infiltration and treatment.
Creation of vegetated green infrastructure islands planted with native species.
Replacement of aging impervious sidewalks with pervious pavement along Main Street and Spruce Street.
Upgrades to stormwater inlets and underground drainage infrastructure.
ADA-compliant pedestrian improvements.
Enhanced lighting and streetscape improvements for downtown events and community gatherings.
Benefits for Franklin and the Chesapeake Bay
The project was developed through a community-led planning effort and is expected to generate measurable environmental benefits by reducing pollutants entering local waterways and downstream Chesapeake Bay waters. Engineering estimates indicate the project will:
Treat stormwater runoff from approximately 1.73 acres of developed downtown area.
Prevent an estimated 15.94 pounds of nitrogen from entering waterways annually.
Prevent approximately 1 pound of phosphorus annually.
Reduce sediment pollution by more than 16,354 pounds per year.
Capture and treat an estimated 1.6 to 1.8 million gallons of stormwater runoff annually before it reaches the South Branch of the Potomac River.
A Community-Driven Investment
The project represents the culmination of several years of planning and collaboration among local government, community organizations, conservation partners, businesses, and residents. The effort was guided by the Town’s Stormwater Planning Team and supported by partners including Trout Unlimited, the Mon Forest Towns Partnership, Pendleton County Emergency Management, Region 8 Planning and Development Council, and local volunteers.
The project also builds upon previous support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which provided funding for watershed planning and engineering design work. Those earlier investments helped identify the downtown parking lot and sidewalk corridor as Franklin’s highest-priority stormwater improvement project.
Investing in Franklin’s Future
In addition to improving water quality and reducing flood risks, the project will enhance accessibility, beautify downtown public spaces, support local businesses, and strengthen Franklin’s role as a gateway community for outdoor recreation in the Potomac Highlands and Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Construction is expected to begin in March 2027, following completion of engineering and bidding activities, with project completion anticipated by August 2027.
Mayor W.R. Horan praised the award, noting that the project demonstrates how a small rural community can successfully address local flooding challenges while contributing to larger regional conservation goals. The investment will improve the daily experience of residents, visitors, and businesses while protecting the natural resources that are central to the community’s identity and economy.
About the Small Watershed Grant (SWG) Program
The grants awarded through the SWG program are a core part of the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program partnership administered under NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF). CBSF is a partnership between NFWF and EPA that provides grant funding, technical assistance, and networking and information sharing in support of local, on-the-ground conservation and restoration efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams under the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or its funding sources.
About the Town of Franklin
Located in Pendleton County, West Virginia, the Town of Franklin serves as the county seat and commercial center of the region. Situated in the headwaters of the Potomac River watershed, Franklin is committed to investing in infrastructure that supports economic vitality, community resilience, and environmental stewardship.
