Senator Gaston Welcomes $10 Million to Bridgeport to Address Flooding

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming $10 million in funding approved by the State Bond Commission for the Rebuild by Design pilot project. The funds will be used to make improvements to address flooding in the south end of Bridgeport at the Marina Village/Windward Apartments.

“This has been an issue for years for residents living in the south end of Bridgeport,” said Sen. Gaston. “I am hopeful with this funding we can provide a sense of relief to many of our neighbors at the Marina Village and Windward Apartments. I am grateful to the State Bond Commission for approving this much needed funding that will lower the risk of the chronic flooding while improving the health and safety of the community.”

The South End neighborhood experiences flooding resulting from both coastal and inland flooding and regular rainfall events. These chronic flooding issues are the result of both an aged and combined stormwater sewer system. These funds will help support stormwater and resiliency improvements to address these flooding issues. The Rebuild by Design project includes installing diverse types of stormwater detention methods and flooding prevention methods.

The Rebuild project will continue in the South End of Bridgeport, which experienced the most significant impacts during Superstorm Sandy and has also faced acute challenges in other storms (e.g., Hurricane Irene) and chronic flooding challenges posed by an aged and combined stormwater sewer system. The intended combined effect of these project components is to create flood resiliency within the study area including residents and businesses, during typical rain events as well as more intense storms, improving overall health and safety for the area.