Himes, Leaders Discuss Flood Problems and Solutions

Elected officials say flooding is an issue that continues to devastate communities throughout Fairfield County. And it's only getting worse. That's why Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT 4) invited the public to a "community discussion on flooding" last Saturday at the Darien Library.

The near two-hour meeting heard from officials and civic leaders from both local and state levels discuss the affects of flooding, and how the region might move towards mitigation and resiliency—together.

According to Himes, discussion and coordination is key. The weather is only getting "stranger," and government budgets "will be squeezed in ways we have not seen," he said. If ever there was a time to be creative and resourceful, the time is now. 

"One of the things we need to do as a region is to talk about flooding and mitigation, and we need to do it together," said Himes. "The answer is regional."

State Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) reiterated Himes's sentiment, emphasizing grassroots involvement.

"The more organized and proactive a community is the better," he said.

At a local level, that means understanding the water corridors and problem areas, said Darien's Craig Flaherty, a professional hydrology and hydraulics engineer who serves the town's Flood Mitigation Strategy Committee.

The town began to focus its energies on flood mitigation in 2007, when an historic storm devastated Heights Road, said Flaherty. A study of the Stony Brook watershed has since been completed, and a final draft of Goodwives River is also on record; a third watershed analysis of Noroton River is currently underway.

Flaherty said the three studies present a common problem: rail road tracks. The tracks obstruct water flow, which has resulted in significant damage to homes and businesses in the surrounding area. According to Flaherty, proper infrastructure would resolve the problem; but he said it shouldn't be the town's responsibility to fix the problem. After all, the tracks serve a broader transportation need.

A high-speed train from Washington D.C. to Boston whips through Darien on a regular basis.

"We've had little luck on the state level," said Flaherty.

Unless the trains cannot run the tracks, the state is not interested in footing the bill for such a huge infrastructural project, he said.

"At the federal level, I think we could get some support," said Falherty. "That's not only going to accomplish broader goals of efficient transportation but it's going to help people who suffer damages."

Helping those residents whose homes are flood prone happens long before the emergency hits, said Brenda Bergeron of the State Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

One example of that is CERT or Community Emergency Response Team. The idea that drives CERT is that emergencies do happen, and when they do, help is in high demand. A CERT is comprised of a group of local volunteers who train specifically to help during a time of need—be it working a canteen or directing traffic.

No one knows when the next great flood will hit the region, but Selectman David Bayne said that it's important not to let the urgency of preparation fall by the wayside.

"Public interest in flood matters seem to ebb and flow with floodwaters," said Bayne. "It's really important to bring flooding back to attention."

The Board of Selectmen have plans to discuss flooding and mitigation with hydraulics and hydrology engineer Leonard Jackson at a coming April meeting.