The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, along with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and City of Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation, received the 2026 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for the Tidal Wetland Creation at Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park. This 33-acre Wetland Mitigation Development Project was designed to offset anticipated impacts on wetlands and waterways resulting from the West Cargo Project at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The site is located approximately 3.5 miles from PHL. 

The FDR Park Wetland Mitigation Development Project began as PHL sought an environmentally responsible way to offset wetland and waterway impacts from planned airport expansion, especially the new cargo facilities on the west side. Feasibility analysis started in 2016, and by 2019, the Department of Aviation partnered with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy as part of the broader FDR Park Plan. The team incorporated the wetland initiative into the Ecological Core / Nature Phase, turning a regulatory requirement into a major ecological and public-space improvement in one of Philadelphia’s most historic parks. 

The Wetland Mitigation Development Project advances PHL’s commitment to responsible stewardship by offsetting wetland and waterway impacts from airport development and creating public value at FDR Park. The project enhances ecological function, increases flood resilience, improves habitat quality, and expands visitor access, demonstrating how mitigation can strengthen climate resilience and enrich one of Philadelphia’s key public parks. 

“We are deeply honored to accept the Governor’s Award with our dedicated partners, the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation, in recognition of the Wetland Mitigation Development Project,” said Department of Aviation Interim CEO Tracy Borda. “This project is a powerful example of our unwavering commitment to environmental excellence and to making a positive, lasting impact on our city and its communities.” 

Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists, & Land Surveyors, D.P.C. managed project construction and inspections; Biohabitats, Inc. provided design and engineering support; and A.P. Construction Inc. built the wetland. Each partner contributed to the successful delivery of this important environmental improvement. 

“The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes the FDR Park Wetland Mitigation Development Project and the meaningful environmental benefits it delivers,” said Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists, & Land Surveyors, D. P. C. Regional Director of Pennsylvania Bernard Rohe. “This award carries special significance because the project demonstrates how infrastructure needs can align with environmental stewardship and community value. Through this effort, PHL helped create new wetland habitat, improve flood resilience, and support a broader vision for a healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable FDR Park for future generations.” 

Key improvements of the Wetland Mitigation Development Project include: 

• Creation of a 29-acre native / forested tidal wetland in the southwest corner of FDR Park. 

• Removal of overgrowth and invasive vegetation, including dense phragmites. 

• Planting approximately 7,000 trees and 1,700 bushes/woody shrubs adapted to wetland habitat. 

• Installation of two new tide gates to improve drainage and help protect the park’s creeks and lagoons from tidal flow. 

• Improved drainage, flood resilience, and expanded habitat for native flora and fauna. 

• New public access features connected to restored natural areas. 

• Excavation and reuse of soil to support future park improvements and potential elevation of amenities out of the floodplain.