Washington D.C. – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and Congressman George Latimer (NY-16), U.S. Representative for Port Chester, NY, sent a letter to Colonel Eric Swenson, Commander of the New York District of the Army Corps of Engineers, calling on him to prioritize the long overdue replacement of two flood-causing Byram River bridges in Greenwich, CT.
“As Members of Congress representing communities in Connecticut and New York that are directly impacted by the hydrodynamics of Byram River and its bridges, we write to express our serious concern regarding the continued delays to the years-long plan to replace the U.S. Route 1 bridges,” wrote the lawmakers.
The Members of Congress continued: “In September 2021, Hurricane Ida produced eight inches of rain that resulted in flash floods. Many residents of Pemberwick woke up to basements flooded to the ceiling. We were fortunate that no lives were lost. Replacing these bridges is an important component of improving the region’s long-term flood resilience and protecting the public as we enter another hurricane season.”
“We urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the Byram River Bridge project, expedite all remaining reviews and approvals, coordinate closely with Connecticut and New York state and local officials, and provide regular progress updates to Congress. The residents of our region have waited long enough for these critical improvements, and we look forward to working with you to ensure this project advances as expeditiously as possible,” concluded the lawmakers.
Improvements to the West Putnam Avenue and Hillside Avenue bridges, which span the Byram River and contribute to flooding in the Pemberwick neighborhood of Greenwich, were authorized years ago, yet the project remains unfinished. The bridges serve as essential infrastructure, allowing residents, businesses, commuters, and first responders to cross between Greenwich and Port Chester every day.
You can read the full text of the lawmakers’ letter here.