State Rep. Perone Co-Sponsors Bill Aimed at Fixing Antiquated Storm Drain Systems
State. Rep. Chris Perone
Feb. 16, 2007

Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) co-sponsored a bill with Rep. Richard Roy (D-Milford) today that will give local towns the ability to address problematic storm drain systems. House bill No. 6856 allows municipalities to create a board or commission of "storm water authority." The purpose of these commissions would be to establish, revise and collect rates or fees. Additionally, these groups would control the removal process and research of future methods of drainage or means of storm water removal.

"Hundreds of people throughout Norwalk were hit hard in the heavy rainstorms that that have occurred over the last several years," Rep. Perone explained. "These citizens have lost personal possessions, family heirlooms, furniture and suffered serious property damage."

Citing problems with Norwalk's 100-year-old storm drain system, Rep. Perone hopes that this bill will be a constructive first step in alleviating flooding within the town. The current storm drain system has proved to be insufficient due to the systems age, overdevelopment of land and population growth.

"While this bill cannot replace what [residents] have lost, it will give the city of Norwalk and other municipalities the tool that they will need to start rebuilding an overtaxed and outdated storm drain system," Rep. Perone said.

The proposed bill will be referred to the Committee on Environment, and will head out of committee pending a vote.

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