Town engineer: initial flood work set to begin this fall, cofferdams in 10–12 days

Bill Hurley, the town engineering manager and project lead on Fairfield’s flood and resilience plan, told residents that initial construction on priority flood projects must start before Oct. 1 and that "the contractor is scheduled to work on, September 28, 2026, weather permitting." He added that cofferdams—temporary structures needed at the start of construction—are expected to begin in roughly 10–12 days and that town public works has permission to hire another contractor if the current contractor cannot meet the start schedule.

Hurley framed the start date as urgent because early-season work is required for the projects’ initial phases and to protect workers and equipment: "the Coffer Dams, which are very important for the beginning part of the projects, will begin, in the next, what, 10 days or 12 days." He also described contingencies for final paperwork and submittals while emphasizing the town’s intent to move promptly once permits and schedules are confirmed. "Frank Batiste has given permission for DPW or the town to hire another contractor to begin work," Hurley said, noting that the town is prepared to keep the schedule if one contractor delays.

The town will use follow-up briefings and the breakout sessions to provide address-specific information and to accept residents’ photos and location data for recent flooding. Chair Becky Bunnell asked residents to submit photos to the flood and erosion control board website with addresses so planners can map impacts and refine site-level designs.