Weston and Sampson lead flood resilience planning for Rooster River corridor

Fairfield is taking significant steps to enhance its flood protection and climate resilience strategies, as discussed in a recent special meeting of the Flood Protection, Climate Resilience & Erosion Control Board. The meeting highlighted ongoing projects and future plans aimed at mitigating flooding risks in the community.

One of the key updates was the progress made since the devastating floods of September 2018, which underscored the vulnerability of the town's rivers. In response, the town has implemented various measures along the Rooster River corridor, including the construction of detention systems designed to hold excess water in designated open spaces, such as parks and golf courses, rather than allowing it to flow into residential areas.

The meeting also reported on the completion of critical infrastructure projects, including a flood protection system around the wastewater treatment plant, which is essential for preventing flooding at this vital facility. Additionally, improvements to downtown infrastructure have been initiated, with some detention systems already in place.

Coastal flood modeling has been conducted to assess risks along the shoreline, while a study by the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation focused on the town's most flood-prone underpasses. This study revealed that flooding causes vary by location, prompting innovative suggestions, such as widening underpasses to accommodate different vehicle types during flooding events.

Looking ahead, the town is collaborating with Weston and Sampson and Ray's Coastal Engineers to develop a comprehensive master plan for flood resilience. This plan will include visual aids to communicate risks and will be finalized by early 2026. The draft plan emphasizes the importance of building flood resilience and identifies areas that require protection from flooding.

Community engagement is a priority, with public information sessions and workshops scheduled for the upcoming spring and summer. Residents are encouraged to share their insights and experiences to inform the planning process.

As Fairfield moves forward with these initiatives, the town aims to create a safer environment for its residents, ensuring that effective flood management strategies are in place to address the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.