Project for canal access in Rehoboth receives $300,000 grant

A project to bring a dock in Rehoboth along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal received a big boost with a $300,000 grant from the Delaware Department of Transportation.

According to an Aug. 14 press release from the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association, DelDOT recently gave the project a Transportation Alternatives Program grant.

The project is years in the making. In November 2011, a feasibility report conducted by Delaware-based Landscape Architectural Services LLC and RK&K concluded public access to the canal in Rehoboth would create a western gateway to the city and better connect the city with Lewes and Dewey.

According to the press release, the dock could be built to satisfy all government and public codes.

Rehoboth commissioners approved $20,000 toward the project during their July meeting.

Mayor Paul Kuhns said he was pleased the project is finally getting off the ground.

“It fits right in with the Rehoboth Beach Comprehensive Development Plan and will enhance the gateway into Rehoboth Beach, giving new life to the west end of the city,” said Kuhns in a prepared statement.

Commissioner-elect Pat Coluzzi, canal improvement association president, said the project offers wonderful opportunity as an alternative to get from Rehoboth to Lewes.

“Many visitors and residents will get to experience a beautiful and tranquil part of our area which has not been readily accessible in the past,” said Coluzzi in a prepared statement.

The project has an estimated price tag of $850,000. In addition to grants provided by the state and city, the improvement association plans to fundraise from area residents and businesses to keep this project on schedule. The press release said construction could begin as early as fall 2019.

The association is a nonprofit, with no paid staff. Its mission is to improve the appearance and functionality of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal corridor in order to better serve residents and visitors to the Cape Region of Delaware.

For more information on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association, contact Mark Carter at 302-684-1000, ext. 225 or Scott Thomas at 302-856-1818.