Future Torrential Rain, Flooding Threaten Norwalk's Archaic Sewer System
Rep. Perone To Urge Gov. Rell And DEP To Increase Funding
by Chris Perone
Sep. 1, 2006

State Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) is asking Governor M. Jodi Rell and the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for increased municipal aid from the state's Clean Water Fund to improve Norwalk's aging sewer system. Flooding in Norwalk last weekend caused by blocked sewer drains and overdevelopment resulted in severe damage to hundreds of Norwalk residents' properties. Rep. Perone fears the storms predicted for this weekend could cause even more damage.

Rep. Perone said, "The bottom line is Norwalk needs more funding to study and improve our antiquated sewer system. We've already seen the results of last weekend's storm. I've had conversations with many of the people who have been directly affected by flooding who are very worried about the future. Norwalk's sewer system is supposed to weather 25-year storms, but because of development and trash thrown into the system, the system has a tough time handling the excess water. This is a huge problem that adversely affects people's quality of life and needs to be addressed."

According to city officials, there are roughly 30 outstanding areas that prevent the city's sewer system from functioning properly. These zones are suffering from blockages caused by overdevelopment and materials people throw in the culverts. There is currently funding to study several of these 30 areas.

"I would like to be optimistic and say we should have all of the areas studied, but I know we have to prioritize," said Rep. Perone. "I will urge Governor Rell and the state DEP to give us more funding immediately."

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