NEW LONDON, Conn. — While many cities and towns across Connecticut faced major flood concerns caused by Tropical Storm Henri, one town that had areas previously prone to flooding, saw only minor impacts from the storm.
New London credits recent infrastructure improvements for the town’s preparedness during this storm.
“I think you guys have got it right. You’ve been thinking ahead. You showed the pictures of what Bank Street looked like several years ago, and not right now,” said Governor Ned Lamont at a press conference at the New London Fire Headquarters Wednesday.
New London has recently established a stormwater utility. Mayor Michael Passero says New London is the first municipality in Connecticut to do so.
“For the health of our state, for the health of our environment, and for the health of Long Island Sound, and all of our estuaries, having stormwater utilities in our municipalities is a major, major step forward,” said Passero.
Passero says new pumps have been installed throughout the city, which has helped reduce the flooding impact during severe weather events like Henri. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes was also on hand at the press conference Monday. She praised the efforts by New London to address flooding and encourages cities and towns across the state to adopt similar authorities to prevent future damage.
“We have to invest in and adapt our infrastructure to protect our communities going forward,” said Dykes.
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