BRIDGEPORT, CT— Today Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, and Deputy Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers Planning Division Eugene Brickman toured areas of the Byram River that frequently experience overland river flooding, led by residents suffering from that flooding. The town and Congressman Himes are seeking federal funding through the Army Corps of Engineers for a feasibility study to evaluate and identify measures that would prevent flooding of the river. Improved flood control on the Byram River will help reduce damage to the environment, homes, businesses, and local infrastructure that can be costly to both the town and those who live along the water.
Pictures from today’s event are available upon request.
"Flooding wreaks havoc on local property and destroys economic development opportunities, and we need to aggressively pursue options that will give property and business owners in this area some security and relief,” said Himes. “I have made flood mitigation a top priority, and the federal funding currently pending for this project is an encouraging step forward in our fight to improve conditions for those who live and work around the Byram River.”
Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Joseph Lieberman, and Himes recently announced that the request for federal funding for the feasibility study on the Byram River had been approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water. The request still must be approved by the full House Appropriations Committee and passed by both the House and the Senate.
“The Pemberwick section of Greenwich continues to experience severe river flooding. The Town is seeking federal funds to help control flooding in this area and is pleased that the funding initiative is moving forward,” stated Peter Tesei, First Selectman. “Just as we were successful in securing funding for the installation of the stream gage, it is our intent to continue working with our Congressional delegation to ensure that the Army Corp project is fully funded.”