Last Friday, the State Bond Commission allocated $2 million toward the $13.9 million Allen Street Drainage Improvements and Reconstruction Project.
The project is to alleviate mounting concerns about flooding caused by drainage infrastructure in need of improvements affecting the neighborhood between Allen Street and Roxbury Road near CCSU neighborhood. That neighborhood has been facing serious problems with flooding because of overdue infrastructure improvements.
New Britain legislators welcomed the state funding for the project.
Rep Dave DeFronzo (D-26) said, “Upgrading the stormwater and sewer systems on Allen Street is critical to improving the quality of life for local residents,” adding,
Residents have endured severe flooding, property damage, and contaminated water for too long. We must get this project done. Even though this funding comes from the state, it remains a city project. Unfortunately, the city has failed to address the problem for over a decade, which is why the state had to step in and provide financial support.
Rep Bobby Sanchez (D-25) added,
The storm drainage system on Allen Street has been a long-standing, high-priority issue. We can no longer let residents face dangerous conditions during storms. The funding secured for the replacement of these sewer and stormwater systems is a critical step forward.”
Ald John McNamara (D-4), who lives in the Allen Street area and has advocated for city action on the project said,
The momentum for this project comes from the residents’ advocacy. Every dollar allocated is a testament to their determination that this flooding crisis can no longer continue.
The most prominent resident activist organizing for action on the long-awaited project, Frank Chase, was cautiously optimistic about the funding, saying,
We’re thankful the state has stepped up with $2 million, especially given the city’s delay in addressing the issue. There’s still a lot to be done, but this is a major step forward.
State legislators said that, with the new funding and local funding already allocated, the project is two-thirds of the way to be funded, with Rep DeFronzo adding that they are continuing to pursue additional funding from state’s Clean Water Grant Fund and the Community Investment Fund.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Sen Rick Lopes (D-6), adding,
but I’m encouraged that $2 million in state funding is being directed toward these much-needed improvements. When completed, this project will provide much-needed relief to the residents who have suffered for years.
