Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and Senators Dick Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as disaster funding passed by Congress in the wake of Hurricane Ida, will provide more than $40 million to decrease flooding risks along the Byram River.
“For years, and especially in the wake of Ida, my constituents have suffered regular flooding from the Byram River,” said Himes. “I heard the concerns of Pemberwick residents, worked with partners at the Army Corps of Engineers and the town of Greenwich, and fought for, voted for, and brought home funding that will let us make these needed improvements to decrease flooding.”
“Last summer’s devastating floods demonstrate the critical need for this federal funding to protect communities along the Byram River,” said Blumenthal. “Real relief from flooding and other problems is well deserved and overdue. This money makes a big difference in safety and quality of life.”
“As the climate crisis worsens, disaster preparedness and resiliency are all the more important,” said Murphy. “This federal funding will seriously mitigate the flooding risks along the Byram River, preventing untold amounts of damage. I am grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers for their work, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to make sure Connecticut is well prepared for future natural disasters.”
“I would like to applaud the efforts of Congressman Himes in securing funding to improve water flow and decrease flooding risks along the Byram River,” said Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo. “This has been a generational problem for our residents in the Pemberwick and Byram areas and this project is a big part of our collective endeavors to bring relief to them. We also thank all the residents who participated in the countless meetings throughout the neighborhood and pledge to continue our focus on the issue until it is resolved.”
The funding will be allocated for Fiscal Year 2022, which began on October 1, 2021. The project is part of a larger agenda laid out by Democrats in Congress to improve resiliency in the face of climate change. Among other actions, the project will involve the removal and replacement of two bridges along Route 1 that obstruct the flow of the river at times and lead to flooding.
“This is government at work for the people,” continued Himes. “I am grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers, my colleagues in Congress who voted for the funding, and especially our neighbors in Connecticut who stood up, and spoke up, about this problem. Because of them, we will be able to deliver a solution. This is a huge win for Connecticut and will have a tangible effect on people’s lives.”
For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.
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