Fort Mifflin, one of Philadelphia’s most historic sites, will finally be receiving support after decades of struggles with flooding and limited funding, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Overlooking the Delaware River, the site on Mud Island endured intense bombardment during the American Revolution, with nearly 1,000 cannonballs an hour hitting it over a six-day period. It was later used as a Civil War prison camp.
Despite its historic importance, the nonprofit Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, which manages the property, receives no federal or city funding and operates on a yearly budget that can range from $100,000 to $200,000, depending on visitor numbers and its fundraising success.
“Our budget is pretty much a shoestring,” said Craig Buffington, Fort Mifflin on the Delaware’s executive director.
Problems at the site have been mounting, driven by persistent flooding that has been made worse by the rise in sea level, with one building’s brick exterior already bowing and a collapsing pedestrian bridge.
Now Fort Mifflin will get a new tide gate after years of waiting, as part of a Philadelphia International Airport project. The airport sits on the adjacent Hog Island.
PHL spokesperson Heather Redfern said that the $4.15 million project is expected to start soon.
Read more about Fort Mifflin getting much-needed help in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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